World famous musician saved the day

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SHOPPERS who dropped in to hear a free Saturday lunchtime recital at Warrington’s Holy Trinity Church were stunned to find one of the world’s top musicians seated at the piano.
Former Warrington resident Stephen Hough – described recently as “one of the most thrilling musicians alive” – had stepped in at the last minute when the unknown music student due to give the recital, broke his finger.
The recital was one of the regular Saturday free performances which have been arranged for the last 14 years by WACIDOM – the Warrington Arts Council Initiative for the Development of Music.
Normally the recitals are given by young students anxious to get the experience of playing to a live audience – and in 14 years it has never been necessary to cancel a recital,
But on the morning of the recital the student who had been booked called to say he had broken a finger.
Exhaustive attempts were made to find a replacement but WACIDOM chairman Norman Cutter had just about given up hope when his ‘phone rang – just two hours before the recital was due to start.
It was Stephen Hough – who used to live in Thelwall and was in the area visiting his mother.
The world famous pianist and composer had heard about the situation and offered to cover the performance.
Mr Cutter said: “I was dumbstruck when Stephen came on the phone and said he would step in and save the day, despite having an evening recital
arranged in Wales later that day.
“There were a number of startled audience members when Stephen walked on.
“Although Stephen is in great demand, he has never forgotten the grassroots of music and on many occasions has given most generously of his services to various local organisations.
“Subsequently when I counted up how many lunchtime recitals we had organised this, amazingly, was the 300th! What an unexpected but appropriate way to celebrate the milestone. How lucky Stephen just happened to be in the area.”
Pictured: Stephen Hough (second right) with (from the left) Norman Cutter, Stephen’s mother, Irina Axcell and Brian Axcell in Holy Trinity Church.


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

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  1. Wacidom deserve a lot of accolades for what they do in Warrington, but this is just such a great feel good story it deserves to go WorldWide! And kudos to Stephen Hough for helping to make it happen with such a generous offer.

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