Leicestershire Youngster Organises Concert in Support of Local Charity

Leicestershire Youngster Organises Concert in Support of Local Charity

Posted: Wed, 19 Aug 2015

Leicestershire Youngster Organises Concert in Support of Local Charity

Sixteen-year old pianist Christian Smaditch, from Leicester Forest East, will host a musical evening at Leicester Cathedral on Saturday 3 October in aid of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

The evening will take place as Leicester prepares to welcome its first Rugby World Cup match, and is part of the Festival of Rugby – a cultural programme of events taking place across the city from 2-11 October, with rugby as a theme.

Christian's concert – which he has organised himself – will include well-known rugby anthems alongside classical music, swing tunes and popular favourites.

It will feature performances by Christian on piano, local singer/songwriter Jersey Budd and other talented local musicians.

Christian, a former pupil of Chetham's School of Music, started to play the piano at the age of eight and worked successfully through all the grades to achieve a distinction at Grade 8, and a Diploma of the Royal Schools of Music at the age of 14. He has performed in many concerts, events and competitions, both locally and nationally.

He is also accompanist for the Musical Village community choirs and organist at St Andrew's Church, Leicester Forest East. He currently attends Dixie Grammar School.

Christian was a recipient of a Lord Lieutenant's Award for Young People in 2014, winning the Young Artist of the Year award – the Joe Humphries Memorial Award.

Christian said: "I wanted to support JMHT because they sponsored the award that I won. I was also shocked to hear that Joe is one of 12 young people whose lives are cut short with no warning every week in the UK, due to undiagnosed heart conditions. I wanted to help make a difference and give something back to JHMT as a 'thank-you.'

"The awards are coming up to their 10th year anniversary so they're now really well established and I feel very proud that I have been among the young people to receive one.

"Putting on this concert will also give me a chance to be a part of the Festival of Rugby. The Rugby World Cup celebrates countries gathering together to compete and this concert will be a celebration of local musicians gathering together to show their support for a very worthwhile local charity."

Martin Johnson, former England rugby captain and patron of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, said: "I'm delighted to support Christian's concert. We're determined to raise awareness of sudden heart deaths and provide vital life-saving training for young people, and Christian's support for our charity's aims is invaluable.

"I hope people turn out in force to support young Christian. He deserves no less as this concert has taken such a massive effort to put together."

The concert starts at 7pm and tickets cost £12 for adults and £10 for children.

For more information or to buy a ticket, visit www.jhmt.org.uk/events

Tags: Events

Partners & Supporters

  • Leicester Mercury
    Loughborough Town Cricket Club
    Leicester City Council
    LRSport
  • Soar Media
    Rothley Parish Council
    Sports Cardiology UK
    Leicester City In the Community
  • Agora
    Boden
    Rothley Park Cricket Club
    Gem 106
  • UHL Trust
    De Montfort Students Union
    Leicestershire and Rutland County FA
    Rawlins
  • Trophy Parlour
    Pukaar News
    AFC Andrews
    UK Paintball
  • YHW
    ITV Central
    Westleigh Developments
    Oak FM
  • Quorn Football Club
    Leicester Coritanian
    Leicestershire County Council
    Cipher Entertainment
  • Heartwize
    Health For Teens
    Inside Land
    Arrhythmia Alliance
  • Jessica Michelle School of Dance
    Leicester Tigers
    Musical Village
    Barwood
  • Longslade Community College
    British Heart Foundation
    BBC
    Leicester Legends
  • BBC Radio Leicester
    David Wilson Homes
    Loughborough Echo
    Demon Media
  • Jersey Budd
    Sileby Town CC
    CKI Martial Arts
    De Lisle
  • Warriors Basketball Club
    Dickinson & Morris
    Leicester City FC Community Trust
    Willmott Dixon
  • Provident IT Solutions
    Gleeds
    Samworth Brothers
    6PM
  • Bradgate Park Trust
    Leicester Unity Boxing Club
    Gateley
    Shepshed Lions Club - Community First Responders
  • Kasabian
    East Midlands Ambulance Service
    Shepshed Lions - Community First Responders