Concert Pianist & Motivational Speaker
Nicholas McCarthy
About
One of the world’s most inspiring pianists, Nicholas McCarthy was born in 1989 without his right hand and is the only one-handed pianist to graduate from the Royal College of Music in its 130-year history. In March 2018 he was awarded honorary membership to the RCM by its President, HRH King Charles.
Having performed across the globe in both recital and concerto, his recent Queen Elizabeth Hall debut recital drew The Sunday Times headline, ‘So dazzling with one hand, he doesn’t need another’.
Outside of his concert career, Nicholas is in demand as a corporate speaker and has to date given three TEDx talks. As a natural communicator he has presented various shows on television and radio including the BBC Proms and The Leeds Piano Competition, both for BBC4.
n 2022 he returned to the Hong Kong Arts Festival where he performed both the Ravel Piano Concerto for Left Hand and Benjamin Britten’s ‘Diversions’ for Left Hand and Orchestra in the same concert. This was the first time this had been accomplished since Paul Wittgenstein did so in 1951. This feat was repeated with the Ulster Orchestra at the Belfast International Festival in 2023 and later broadcast on BBC Radio 3’s, ‘Afternoon Concert.’
2024/25 will see exciting debuts with; the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Symphony. He will also perform his Vienna recital debut at The Wiener Musikverein, where his hero Paul Wittgenstein (1887-1961) made his concert debut in 1914.
Selected
works
Maurice Ravel
Piano Concerto for the Left Hand in D Major (premiered 1932)
Erich Korngold
Piano Concerto for the Left Hand Op.17 (premiered 1924)
Bohuslav Martinu
Concertino (Divertimento) for Left Hand Piano and Chamber Orchestra (1926)
Benjamin Britten
Diversions for Piano Left Hand and Orchestra Op.21
(Premiered 1942)
Ben Lunn
‘History Needs...’ Piano Concerto for Left Hand and Strings (2023)
Press
quotes
“Left -hand Virtuoso of our time”
Pianist Magazine
“So dazzling with one hand, he doesn’t need another.”
The Sunday Times
“McCarthy is a fine pianist and makes the piano sing with a generous tone.”
Gramophone Magazine
“His amazing display of prowess, stamina and determined energy was nothing but dazzling.”
The Times
Live
dates
2023
6th June: St Annes Hall, Edinburgh
Recital
12th June: Cadogan Hall, London
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Ravel Piano Concerto for Left Hand
13th June: City Hall, Hull
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Ravel Piano Concerto for Left Hand
27th June Speaking Engagement
31st August: Green Room, Kent
Barbican Symphony Orchestra
Martinu Concertante ‘Divertimento’
18th October: Southend
Recital
19th November: The Beacon, Bristol
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Ravel Piano Concerto for Left Hand
20th November: The Lighthouse, Poole
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Ravel Piano Concerto for Left Hand
13th December: Musikverien, Vienna
Recital
2025 Concerts announced soon...
Motivational
speaking
Alongside his success in the world of piano, Nicholas McCarthy is an extraordinary motivational speaker who inspires audiences around the world with his compelling story and transformative insights. With everything stacked against him, Nicholas defied the odds to become an internationally acclaimed concert pianist, proving that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle.
His unique perspective and unwavering commitment to excellence have made him a sought-after speaker, captivating listeners with his powerful message of resilience, creativity, and the limitless potential within us all. To date he has delivered three TEDx talks and has worked with some of the largest companies across te globe such as Goldman Sachs, Glaxo Smith Klein, Novartis, NHS England, BNP Parabis, THALES Group, ITV and many more.
Whether you're looking for a keynote speaker to ignite your conference or seeking inspiration for personal growth, Nicholas McCarthy delivers a truly unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you and your delegates motivated and empowered.
To enquire about having Nicholas as your speaker please click the ‘Speaking Enquiry’ button below or email speaking@nicholasmccarthy.co.uk. For more information and examples of his work as a motivational speaker please click the “More Information’ button below.
More Information
Contact
Inspire Management
Simon Robinson
General Manager (worldwide)
Phone