Masterclass

Arranged as part of the Leeds International Piano Competition, this was my first experience of a music masterclass. It was an opportunity to witness the prodigious talent of an upcoming star of the future and gain an insight into the ear and experience of a master teacher in Imogen Cooper. The whole thing kind of blew my mind. 

This is Rhys Concessao, whose session was unfortunately interrupted by the sounding of a fire alarm. While waiting outside to be allowed back into the auditorium, I took the opportunity to take my portrait for the day, only to discover that I was talking to the young man's mother! His talent emerged out of his experience of sitting listening to his mum, Nisha, having piano lessons in his pre-school years. When she gave up, the teacher suggested that perhaps Rhys might like to have lessons instead.  

A couple of videos from when he was five and thirteen.