Musical talent is something that impresses most of us at the best of times. Personally speaking, the ability for an artist to transform the written language of music into beautiful sounds that the whole world can enjoy never fails to amaze.
But when that musical talent has shone through – despite numerous challenges and extenuating circumstances, well, that makes it even more special.
In this respect, British musician Nicholas McCarthy is pretty unique. As the youngest left-hand pianist in the world, he has caught the eye of music lovers everywhere, not just for his incredible ability, but for his determination to fulfil his passion despite the very obvious trials he has faced.
“I have certainly been very fortunate throughout my career so far,” smiles McCarthy, who was born without his right hand. “However, there have been numerous challenges along the way, the largest of which was getting people to trust what I do. I have been turned down for auditions in the past, even before I had been seen.
“I guess it was down to preconceptions of what a one-handed pianist could actually do. Thankfully those setbacks only spurred me on even more, and I am actually grateful to them now, as I don’t think I would have achieved everything I have without them. It certainly taught me that, whatever the obstacles, you should never let anything stop you from turning your dreams into reality.”
That said, it hasn’t always been easy.
“Music is obviously a huge part of my life,” he explains, referring to the long practice hours that come with the territory. “As a result I really feel I have a special relationship with music – although it isn’t always a good one. Sometimes the sight of the piano and the prospect of practising really puts me off.
“But, more often than not,I can’t keep my hand off theinstrument; wherever I am, I find myself drawn to the piano and simply have to sit down and play.”
As a result of his commitment to the instrument, McCarthy has certainly got plenty to be proud of, having played at top venues that include St James Piccadilly, Fairfield Halls, the Bluthner Piano Centre and Christchurch Cathedral in Oxford. He also recently won the coveted Creative Excellence in Music Award through Ability Media International, which celebrates inclusion and diversity in the creative industries. “I got to attend a glitzy award ceremony held at the London Studios on the Southbank. It was such a great day and my first experience of this kind; I felt very honoured to be part of it.
Meanwhile, another highlight was making his concerto debut with the Trinity Orchestra. He played Ravel’s piano concerto for the left hand – the most famous of its kind.
Now McCarthy is proud of his specialist repertoire, which mostly involves forgotten or unknown works written for the left hand alone.
“I see myself as a bit of an ambassador for this type of music as the left-hand-alone repertoire contains some absolute masterpieces and it is just unfortunate that over time they have been forgotten. Thus, my aim is to bring them back to the forefront of the piano range.”
Now local audiences will be able to watch as McCarthy wows alongside renowned Maltese tenor Cliff Zammit Stevens, who will be in Malta having recently completed his studies at the Royal College of Music in the UK.
It follows on from the success of the singer’s 2010 concert La Serenata. Also accompanying will be acclaimed pianist Marcelle Zahra and soprano Seljan Nasibli.
“When Cliff invited me to Malta, I jumped at the chance. I think spectators are in for a real treat on the night,” he says.
“The performers are all incredible. Cliff is an incredible tenor; I will never forget the first time I heard him sing because I was absolutely speechless at his poise, technique and successful communication with the audience. “When I’m not on stage I will definitely be standing in the wings enjoying the trio of talent just as much as everyone else!”
Libretti in the Silent City will be held on Wednesday at 8.30 p.m. at Vilhena Palace, Mdina. Tickets may be purchased from www.maltaticket.com or several outlets around Malta.