Leicestershire Youngster Organises Concert in Support of Local Charity
Posted: Wed, 19 Aug 2015
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