Paraorchestra closes Paralympics

Monday 10 September 2012

We are delighted to announce that three RCM alumni performed in the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympics on Sunday 9 September.

Nicholas McCarthy, Abi Baker and Clarence Adoo played with the British Paraorchestra. The group were backing Brit-pop sensation Coldplay and their performance marked a great achievement for the 17-strong ensemble.

Left-handed pianist Nicholas, who graduated in July this year, said before the ceremony: “as a classical pianist, I'd never thought I'd be playing alongside Coldplay at the Paralympics, it's a bit mad to be honest, it's wonderful. I can't wait to meet them."

The musicians played specially adapted electronic and conventional instruments. One of the founding members of the orchestra Clarence Adoo performed on the instrument ‘Headspace’, which was designed for him by German conductor and composer Rolf Gehlaar.

Catch up on their performance at the London 2012 Paralympic Games site on Channel 4, in which the orchestra feature from 2 hours 48 minutes and again at 3 hours 3 minutes. An hour long documentary titled The Great British Paraorchestra will also be repeated on Channel 4seven at 6.00pm on Saturday 15 September.