Playing the Piano Is Like Breathing for Me: Rhys Concessao

Rhys Concessao is a musical prodigy. At the age of 12, he is already a performer on the world’s best stages, from the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City to the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and is the winner of multiple awards including the Most Distinguished Pianist Award and the Young Talent Encouragement award. He is also the Music Ambassador for the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, a very prestigious foundation in the musical world. Karnataka is proud of his achievements as his roots are in Mangaluru on the western coast of Karnataka. Here is Rhys answering a few questions for our readers about his musical journey put to him by Karnataka Today’s Allwyn Mascarenhas.

Music soothes our minds. It has a unique link to our emotions, so can be an extremely effective stress management tool. Listening to music can have a tremendously relaxing effect on our minds and bodies.

The piano is one kind of musical instrument which helps children and adults overcome their emotional and physical problems. So if you are looking for a way to relax, unwind and take your mind off your daily worries, taking up the piano may well be what you are looking for!

Children at a very young age take a liking to a particular music instrument. Their elders help them pursue their dreams in the world of music. Years and years of practice make them perfect. But there are some child prodigies, extremely gifted children, who evoke awe, amazement and wonder.

Rhys Concessao, a 12-yearold, is making waves on the musical stage in London, and across the world with his outstanding hands on the piano. From performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City or Queen Elizabeth Hall in London to receiving the Most Distinguished Pianist Award and the Young Talent Encouragement or being selected as Music Ambassador by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, this child prodigy has done it all.

Rhys, who has Mangalurean roots, learnt playing the piano at the age of five. At the age of 11, he was accepted into a top specialist music school. He has received multiple awards and given recitals at world famous arenas before enormous gatherings.

When and why did you start playing? Do you play any other instruments other than the piano? When did your parents and you discover your ear for music? Tell us how you got into music as a child.

I first heard my mum playing the piano. I thought it sounded really cool. I started learning the piano when I was five years old.