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Episode details

World Service,5 mins

The classical concert pianist - who has only one hand

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Available for over a year

Nicholas McCarthy was 14 when he had a life-changing musical experience during a piano recital. Despite never having played any instrument before, he decided he wanted to be a concert pianist. But there was an even bigger obstacle to overcome - he only had one hand. His supportive parents bought him a keyboard and incredibly, within a few years, he became good enough to secure a place at a top UK music school. But there was one condition - he had to concentrate on the notoriously challenging scores of the left-hand alone piano repertoire. It would mean giving up the music he loved - composers like Chopin and Beethoven, but could also be the way to carve a career from the piano. Presenter: Jo Fidgen Producer: Katy Takatsuki (Photo: Nicholas McCarthy performing. Credit: Nicholas McCarthy)

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