The Piano is a television format introducing us wonderful amateur pianists and the magic music can bring in people’s life. The show was hosted by Claudia Winkleman and it was filmed in 2022 at four different stations in the UK: London St. Pancras, Leeds, Glaskow and Birmingham. The pianists who were playing at the stations assumed to be appearing in a documentary film. In reality they were watched by Mika and Lang Lang who chose one pianist from each city to perform at Royal Festival Hall in London November 2022. The five episodes and the full final concert including also performances by Mika and Lang Lang were broadcasted on the UK Channel 4 in February/March 2023. 

I have to say I was absolutely delighted by the concept. I was lucky to see the final concert live before any episodes were broadcasted and I was stunned by this extraordinary event, not only because it offered me a possibility to see Mika on stage after a long wait but also because all four final participants were such gifted young people who did lovely performances and genuinely moved my heart. During the final concert Mika did Crace Kelly with piano, a very appropriate choice, and Happy Ending together with Lang Lang, Ida and Max which was a lovely surprise in every way.

What impressed me most when I saw the show streamed online was the atmosphere. As always I loved hearing Mika sharing his knowledge about music and seeing him mentoring. He has a beautiful warm way to talk to young people and it was inspiring to see how motivated they were to listen to him to bring new tones in their playing. Also, I enjoyed the chemistry between Mika and Lang Lang. Despite of being such different artists they seemed to get along incredibly well. What I enjoyed most was not seeing a hint of competition. The concept was carefully made to focus on the pure joy of music and supporting each other which in turn created genuinely positive reactions in people on social media after each episode. 

13-year-old Lucy is blind and neurodivergent and being able to witness her outstanding, delicate playing was a huge privilege to everyone.  Made me in tears to later see how the three other participants, all male, were equally astonished by her playing. I enjoyed their performances as much as Lucy’s and I’ve been thrilled to read about what’s happening to each of them after the show and love seeing them connecting with the world, connecting with each other.

Watching the show was extremely thought-provoking. The amount of talent and creativity that is hiding behind the loud commercial world must be enormous. What a waste of potential to usually compare people to each other instead of seeing them as who they are, how limiting to measure everything in money instead of the impact (on numerous things) in people’s life. A huge thank you to everyone who was a part of The Piano. I really enjoyed following the show. It was a rare opportunity to watch Mika on television in English after 10 years of his television work in French and Italian.