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Ravel’s Concerto for Left Hand with Nicholas McCarthy and the RPO

Pianist, Nicholas McCarthy, who was born without a right hand, invites us behind the scenes as he prepares for his concerto debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Pianist, Nicholas McCarthy, who was born without a right hand, invites us behind the scenes as he prepares for his concerto debut with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Nicholas shares the story of how Ravel’s Concerto for the Left hand came to be composed for a musician who lost his arm in the First World War, and he discusses some of the special challenges he faces as the world’s only professional one-handed pianist.

Conductor Jordan de Souza and members of the RPO talk about what makes Ravel’s Concerto such extraordinary music, as well as a huge technical achievement. They share their experiences of working with Nicholas, and how they meet the taxing demands this piece places on all of its performers.

Produced by Chris Taylor for Â鶹ԼÅÄ Audio Wales and West

Available now

28 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Mon 2 Sep 2024 09:30
  • Yesterday 16:30