“Musical gift” - Jools Holland entertains bereaved families at Child Bereavement UK followed by a surprise call from world-renowned concert pianist Lang Lang

Bereaved families were treated to a performance by pianist and band leader Jools Holland, who visited the Loudwater offices of Child Bereavement UK to play a piano donated to the charity by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation.

The Lang Lang International Music Foundation (LLIMF) is one of the pre-eminent music education organisations striving to educate, inspire, and motivate the next generation of classical performers. As part of its collaboration with Child Bereavement UK, LLIMF has provided the charity with a series of exclusive films featuring well-established artists, musicians, songwriters, and music producers who talk about their music, what music means to them, and how they have been able to channel particular times in their life through their work and creative outlet.

Child Bereavement UK helps children and young people, parents and families, to rebuild their lives when a child grieves and when a child dies.

Ann Chalmers, Chief Executive of Child Bereavement UK said:

Young people we support tell us that music really helps them express their feelings and cope with their grief, whether that be listening to music or making music themselves. The films that the Lang Lang International Music Foundation have made for our groups for young people have been really inspiring, resulting in some interesting discussions about the healing power of music.

We were absolutely thrilled to receive the gift of a piano which will be a lovely addition to the resources we have in Buckinghamshire for families we support. Having it played for us by Jools was a real treat.

Oli, Creative Director of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation said:

It’s a great pleasure to be working with Child Bereavement UK and to be able to give you the piano.

Jools Holland has been a friend of Child Bereavement UK’s for several years, including performing a duet with Tom Jones at their Christmas Celebration Concert in London. Jools gave a special talk to a group of children, young people and parents supported by Child Bereavement UK by talking about his love of the piano and demonstrating its versatility by playing a number of styles from Bach to Boogie and The Beatles.

Jools told the children and young people:

The gift of a piano to Child Bereavement UK is not only a generous idea, it’s a good idea! The piano is here for you to make friends with as life goes on and if you can make friends with the piano, you’ll have a great friend. If you find something you love, have a go!

The group was then given a surprise call from world-renowned concert pianist Lang Lang himself via Facetime from Shanghai where Lang Lang had stayed up until midnight to make the call. He said hello to everyone and asked the families if they liked to play the piano and said:

I look forward to seeing you in person and playing a duet. Stay healthy and enjoy music!

To find out more about Child Bereavement UK's work with children, young people and families: www.childbereavementuk.org

ENDS

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Notes for Editors

Child Bereavement UK helps children, parents and families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. We support children and young people up to the age of 25 who are facing bereavement, and anyone impacted by the death of a child of any age. 

Child Bereavement UK provides training to professionals in health and social care, education, the voluntary and corporate sectors, equipping them to provide the best possible care to bereaved families.

The Lang Lang International Music Foundation® was founded in 2008 and strives to make music a part of every child's life, offering music education to children across the world. The Lang Lang International Music Foundation® reaches children at all levels regardless of their background or talent level. The Keys of Inspiration® program redefines what music education looks like in public schools by providing up to 30 Roland keyboards and a complete music curriculum to underfunded schools. The Foundation’s Young Scholars program nurtures the development of gifted young piano talent. Young Scholars are offered masterclasses, mentorship, and entry into international festivals and competitions. Young Scholars also received practical training on becoming world class concert pianists. For more information click here.

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