Kumazzz Posted February 18, 2023 Author Share Posted February 18, 2023 (edited) A clip of Jay Eatwell from the episode 1 ( London’s Kings Cross St Pancras station ) Talented Jay gave up his past life of partying on the Isle of Wight for music. The super-talented musician wowed Mika, Lang Lang, Claudia and an audience at London’s Kings Cross St Pancras station where he performed his self-written song, 'Fire.' Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, #ThePiano sets out to find the best amateur pianists from across the UK. Performing on public pianos across iconic UK venues such as London St Pancras, Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham train stations, while sharing their beautiful stories and music with the British public. Edited February 18, 2023 by Kumazzz 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kumazzz Posted February 20, 2023 Author Share Posted February 20, 2023 A short clip of Jay Eatwell from the episode 1 ( London’s Kings Cross St Pancras station ) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paoletta Posted February 20, 2023 Share Posted February 20, 2023 i think that The Piano is better than Xfactor italy for me 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SusanT Posted February 20, 2023 Share Posted February 20, 2023 1 hour ago, Paoletta said: i think that The Piano is better than Xfactor italy for me Pianists are just sharing their music and we can enjoy listening to all their lovely performances ( and hearing their stories). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hero Posted February 20, 2023 Share Posted February 20, 2023 It's a different concept. Those on The Piano are not playing to compete, they don't know they are being assessed, so it's more relaxed. Xfactor is usually people who want to impress judges to be made a star. Although the better contestants are usually the less desperate entrants. And the show runners play up the competition angle where possible - creating tension etc. So it's not always easy viewing, but it has some gems. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kumazzz Posted February 21, 2023 Author Share Posted February 21, 2023 BELLA Pressreader https://pressreader.com/article/282978224162906 https://pressreader.com/article/283003993966682 👉 PDF file ( 2 pages / 1.4 MB ) Bella-21-Feb-2023_50-51.pdf TV interview 'I wish I was MUSICAL !' Claudia Winkleman chats about her new reality show The Piano Claudia Winkleman felt left out as she was surrounded by remarkable talent on The Piano Claudia Winkleman’s new series is taking her to major train stations around the UK – not for travel, but to listen to people playing the free pianos placed there. The Piano follows the journey of a group of amateur pianists, with some of them being given the opportunity to compete for a chance to play at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Only, those involved believe they are taking part in a documentary about street pianos, not a competition. Filming took place in St Pancras, Leeds, Glasgow Central and Birmingham New Street, with 20 amateurs of all ages performing an eclectic range of musical styles at each location. Classical player Lang Lang and popstar Mika are on hand to help Claudia, 51, who we caught up with to find out more… Tell us a bit about some of the people you met at the stations… We met so many different people. I think our youngest was nine, our eldest 94. I would say a vast majority of them don’t have pianos at home. So, these were people who had played on street pianos, or some who had learned during lockdown. There’s a boy called Jared, who I became obsessed with. We met him quite early in St Pancras. He was a 21-year-old truck mechanic. He literally had his toolbox and a grease-covered baguette, and he put them both down and sat the piano and played honky-tonk and my head exploded. And so we met every different kind [of pianist]. These were all amateur pianists, but some of them had trained for years, and some of them had just learned. They were playing their own compositions, they were playing Chopin, but they’re also playing the Goo Goo Dolls. We met everyone. Did anyone teach you anything on the piano? No, I’m 51 and incapable of most things. I haven’t learned it. I did one trumpet lesson and I couldn’t get a note out. I wish I’d learned it. But I wish I had any kind of musical ability. I’m not allowed to sing happy birthday to my own tortoise. I mean, even the tortoise goes, “I think we’ve had enough”. He covers his ears and goes into his shell. Say no more. It’s certainly an emotional show… I sort of love the fact that we were led by the station, so this wasn’t in a studio with somebody going “in five, four…” You know, somebody might play and there was a Tannoy. I love those tiny moments – there was a school trip and there were kids with rucksacks and Tupperware and the teacher was loving them listening to the piano so much, because they just had these eyes full of wonder – they decided to take the next train. I love being in the station, because everything is there, people in a rush, trying to wrangle a twoyear-old into a pushchair to get on a train… It was all of that. And in the middle of that, somebody was just playing this very beautiful instrument. Can you talk us through the final moment where they get to perform at Royal Festival Hall? What was it like to watch those amateurs have that moment on that stage? They were brilliant. But that’s also because Lang Lang and Mika were so good with them. What I would say is they treated it with aplomb. Because the whole thing isn’t jazzed up, it’s authentic. And they were ready. They had the two greatest performers on their side – everyone was on their side – and the four looked after each other really beautifully. I know that’s slightly vomit inducing, but the sense of camaraderie… they looked after each other. I was right there with them. And there weren’t loads of lights. We were so grateful that everybody had come, friends and family. We were on their side. And it was really, really moving. As we saw with the massive success of The Traitors, there’s a real thirst at the moment to see real people on TV. Why do you think that is? I think we’ve always wanted to watch real people, haven’t we? I mean, whether it’s on Love Island or in a castle or playing the piano at St. Pancras. I think that’s what we’ve always wanted to see. I had to include Love Island because otherwise my 16-year-old daughter would be angry with me! 'Piano is beyond cultural difference' Acclaimed pianist Lang Lang, 40, has been inspired by the armatures. What did you think when you were asked about this project? I thought this is such a brilliant idea, to share their talent without forcing a competition. And then giving them the surprise of a performance as a finale and also to coach them a little bit. I just really love this format, which has never happened in the classical piano world. And I think this will open some new doors for audiences and musicians to believe that, actually, music is not only for themselves, but it’s for everyone in the community and this really brings us much closer as a human beings. Piano is so beyond culture differences around the world. I think it’s quite important. And we are watching those pianists performing with their truthful feelings. As a classical musician, I’m open to the other type of playing, but sometimes our knowledge of repertoire is quite limited. Some of the pianists have inspired me. When I’m learning new repertoire, this will stick in my mind. ‘We wanted them to be themselves’ Classically trained songwriter Mika, 39, says the diversity was a highlight You spent a lot of time hiding in cupboards and the back of kitchens in train stations. What were your highlights? We could probably write a guidebook to the food outlets of all the train stations of the UK, especially Claudia, who has a voracious appetite! It was the diversity of these people and they weren’t coming for a competition. They weren’t coming for 15 minutes of fame. They were coming as those true selves because that’s how it was framed. What was the reaction when you told people you were actually taking them to perform at the Royal Festival Hall? Total shock, terror! We didn’t want them to change at the Royal Festival Hall, we wanted them to really be themselves, the same people that we discovered at the station. And there was this moment of tilt in the coaching day when they realised that they were allowed to express themselves and that what they had to say was important, and did count. ● The Piano, Wednesday 15 February, Channel 4 6 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyaboutmika Posted February 21, 2023 Share Posted February 21, 2023 (edited) 15 hours ago, Paoletta said: i think that The Piano is better than Xfactor italy for me It's a lot more genuine And no made up "fights" However XFactor gave us Mika's Willy Willy Willy fit of laughter and Mika's first audition so there were amazing moments. Edited February 21, 2023 by crazyaboutmika 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kath Posted February 21, 2023 Share Posted February 21, 2023 So it’s taken me a week to find this thread. 🤣 Thank you all for finding and sharing the articles . I’ve watched the first episode four times and enjoy it more every time! Brilliant programme! X 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paoletta Posted February 21, 2023 Share Posted February 21, 2023 8 hours ago, crazyaboutmika said: It's a lot more genuine And no made up "fights" However XFactor gave us Mika's Willy Willy Willy fit of laughter and Mika's first audition so there were amazing moments. yes the past editions were fun but I personally didn't like the last ones that's all 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kumazzz Posted February 21, 2023 Author Share Posted February 21, 2023 (edited) Yours UK February 21, 2023 👉 PDF file ( 2 pages / 419 KB ) Yours UK 02.21.2023_p20+21_ThePiano.pdf Pressreader https://www.pressreader.com/article/284399858359400 'We've got pianists aged from nine to 94!' Host Claudia Winkleman – as well as judges Mika and Lang Lang – chat to Yours about their new talent show, The Piano From the creators of The Great British Bake Off comes a brand-new entertainment show, The Piano, set to celebrate the power of this beloved instrument. Thinking they’ve just been invited to share their love of the piano with host Claudia Winkleman and any passersby, individuals play at train stations in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow. Little do they know that hiding away and listening to their performances are the singer Mika and classical pianist Lang Lang, ready to jump out and announce that the individuals are actually taking part in a competition and that they’re in with a chance to perform at the world-renowned Royal Festival Hall in London! We caught up with the two critically acclaimed musical artists – and of course Claudia – to understand the reasons why The Piano needs to be on our TV to-watch list. How did you get involved in the show? Mika: I got a call in about 2019 and at that stage it was just an idea, a desire, a question. And the question was: What is the piano today? Let’s go and find out what amateur pianists are doing. Why have street pianos become such a thing? We just decided to follow the truth without any particular agenda. It felt very special and very pure. Claudia: It’s very authentic without big lights and a ‘ta-da’ moment. As soon as they told me that Mika and Lang Lang were on board, I booked my train ticket to Glasgow. Lang Lang: I think it’s amazing that we’re able to share these people’s love of the piano without forcing a competition. I really believe that this show will open so many doors for audiences and musicians. People have always felt quite distant from classical music, as though it isn’t modern music, so I think this programme will help break down those barriers. Can you tell us a bit about some of the people that took part? Claudia: We met so many different people. I think our youngest was nine and our eldest was 94. I was personally obsessed with a 21-yearold truck mechanic called Jared. He turned up to St Pancras with his toolbox and a grease-covered sandwich; sat at the piano, started playing honkytonk and my head exploded. It’s important to note that everyone that we met was an amateur pianist although some had been playing for years, whilst others – like Jared – had taken up the piano during lockdown. Mika: I got quite emotional when we had a girl who has trouble talking, has many health issues and is blind, sat at the piano and play Schubert. How she learnt to play the piano in the first place is just mind-boggling and to play it so beautifully was amazing. In a busy train station in Leeds, hundreds of people who have many other places to go and never signed up to watch a gig stopped and missed their trains just to listen to her play. Claudia: I loved the fact that we were filming the show in train stations because it was the tiny, natural moments that really stood out with me. There was this school trip hurrying through the station with their rucksacks and Tupperware, and the teacher was enjoying watching these tiny students listening to the piano with eyes full of wonder, so much that they decided to take the next train. Were you inspired to start playing, Claudia? Claudia: No, I’m 51 and incapable of most things! I did one trumpet lesson as a child and I couldn’t get a note out – I don’t have a musical bone in my body. I’m not even allowed to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to my own tortoise, he covers his ears and goes into his shell. Lang Lang, has the show influenced your own work? Lang Lang: As a classical musician, I’m quite set in how I approach playing the piano, so it was wonderful to watch the people who we approached playing in a different way to me. There was this incredible individual called Jay who rapped as he played, which was so interesting to watch and listen to. Claudia, you also hosted The Traitors. Why do you think shows with real people are so popular? Claudia: I think we’ve always wanted to watch real people, haven’t we? Whether it’s in a castle in Scotland or playing the piano at St Pancras it’s what we’ve always wanted to see. Lang Lang: We were so lucky to have Claudia because she made all the pianists feel completely at home and within three minutes of meeting her, everyone felt comfortable enough to tell her their whole life story. Claudia has this magic power and it was inspiring to listen to her interviews and understand what the piano meant to everybody. ■ The Piano starts on Wednesd They use an OLD pic ! Edited February 21, 2023 by Kumazzz 4 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyaboutmika Posted February 21, 2023 Share Posted February 21, 2023 4 hours ago, Paoletta said: yes the past editions were fun but I personally didn't like the last ones that's all I only watch for Mika's moments just like fo The Voice. However some singers and some songs are nice bonus surprises to me sometimes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hero Posted February 21, 2023 Share Posted February 21, 2023 14 minutes ago, Kumazzz said: pianists @crazyaboutmika See, that's the word! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcdeb Posted February 21, 2023 Share Posted February 21, 2023 https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/tv/blind-yorkshire-teen-leaves-tv-26276581 This article rehashes a lot of what we've already read, but here it is in the interest of being complete. Blind Yorkshire teenager leaves TV judges speechless with flawless piano performance Lucy leaves world-class pianist Lang Lang and popstar Mika stunned on Channel 4 show The Piano Blind pianist Lucy left judges Lang Lang and Mika speechless on Channel 4's The Piano (Image: Channel 4) A blind Yorkshire teenager left TV judges speechless with a flawless piano performance. Lucy, 13, left world-class pianist Lang Lang and singer-songwriter Mika stunned with her audition for Channel 4's The Piano . The student of Ravenscliffe High School, Halifax, performed Chopin's Opus 9 Number 1, an elegant and very technical piece, in the concourse of Leeds Station. Passengers waiting for their trains went misty-eyed while Lang Lang's jaw dropped as he watched the performance via video link. Wide-eyed and stunned Lang Lang, a former musical prodigy who performs at some of the world's most prestigious recitals, said: "How does she study? This is incredible. Beautiful. I've never seen anything like this." Mika, who has had three UK top 20 albums and a number one single, Grace Kelly, said: "She was basically turning a tuned percussion instrument into a breathing living vocal instrument. And it took a 13-year-old girl to show us how to do that." Ravenscliffe High School, Calderdale's only special secondary school, said: "This is the incredible moment Lucy, a 13-year-old who is blind and neurodiverse, played a highly-complex Chopin piece, leaving Mika and Lang Lang speechless. "Well done Lucy, we are so proud of you." Lucy was born with tumours in her eyes, an extra chromosome, which causes autistic traits, and she struggles to communicate, The Mirror reports. Frequently in hospital during her very early life, Lucy was given a toy keyboard to play with. And her mum Candice noticed how quickly she was learning to play by ear and touch. The little girl was referred to Daniel Bath, a specialist music teacher who helped develop her skills. During her performance in front of presenter Claudia Winkleman, Lucy appears to be ensconced in the music. You can watch Lucy's audition in full on the second episode of The Piano, on Channel 4 on Wednesday (9pm). 5 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyaboutmika Posted February 21, 2023 Share Posted February 21, 2023 5 minutes ago, Hero said: @crazyaboutmika See, that's the word! Aged from 9 to 94 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hero Posted February 21, 2023 Share Posted February 21, 2023 4 minutes ago, crazyaboutmika said: Aged from 9 to 94 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyaboutmika Posted February 21, 2023 Share Posted February 21, 2023 I can't wait till tomorrow 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kumazzz Posted February 21, 2023 Author Share Posted February 21, 2023 (edited) YOMIKA https://www.yomika.com/2023/02/20/lucy-chopin/ The Piano – Episode 2 Published February 20, 2023 The first episode of our new television series ‘The Piano’ launched last week on Channel 4 in the UK and we are so pleased to hear the series has already touched so many hearts! In this weeks episode we are in Leeds where Lucy, a 13-year old pianist who is also blind and neurodivergent left us totally speechless with her stunning performance of Chopin. What a huge inspiration. Check out the extraordinary moment below and tune in on Channel 4 in the UK this Wednesday at 9PM to see the full episode! Episode-2 Leeds Edited February 21, 2023 by Kumazzz 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kumazzz Posted February 22, 2023 Author Share Posted February 22, 2023 A pic from Channel 4 TV-Guide. https://www.channel4.com/tv-guide 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kumazzz Posted February 22, 2023 Author Share Posted February 22, 2023 12 hours ago, Kumazzz said: YOMIKA https://www.yomika.com/2023/02/20/lucy-chopin/ The Piano – Episode 2 Published February 20, 2023 The first episode of our new television series ‘The Piano’ launched last week on Channel 4 in the UK and we are so pleased to hear the series has already touched so many hearts! In this weeks episode we are in Leeds where Lucy, a 13-year old pianist who is also blind and neurodivergent left us totally speechless with her stunning performance of Chopin. What a huge inspiration. Check out the extraordinary moment below and tune in on Channel 4 in the UK this Wednesday at 9PM to see the full episode! Episode-2 Leeds YOMIKA Latest News https://www.yomika.com/news/ The Piano - Episode 2 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mellody Posted February 22, 2023 Share Posted February 22, 2023 4 hours ago, Kumazzz said: I don't know why they deleted this tweet video. Maybe they posted it too early. I'll hide your post for now, I think after tonight's episode we can unhide it. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paoletta Posted February 22, 2023 Share Posted February 22, 2023 Mika forever the best 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SusanT Posted February 22, 2023 Share Posted February 22, 2023 Nice to read this on a New Zealand website 😊 (https://www.streamingrant.com/nz/channels/channel-4/watch-the-piano-in-new-zealand-on-channel-4/ ): Mika There’s no denying that MIKA is a star. He has achieved success in the music industry, as a judge and mentor on TV talent shows, and even co-hosted Eurovision. Now, he’s taking his talents to The Piano, where he’s sure to make his mark! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna Ko Kolkowska Posted February 22, 2023 Share Posted February 22, 2023 (edited) From Claudia WInkleman Instagram account. https://www.instagram.com/p/Co-FnjeDN3S/ YouCut_20230222_180645043.mp4 Edited February 22, 2023 by Anna Ko Kolkowska 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krysady Posted February 22, 2023 Share Posted February 22, 2023 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krysady Posted February 22, 2023 Share Posted February 22, 2023 Mika IG story B649B81C4EE167C4EC2220093D0CBD86_video_dashinit.mp4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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