Pianist to raise money for hospital charity
A concert pianist raising money for the hospital that saved her life will perform a piece of music that helped her through her darkest days at a charity concert on November 30.
Amanda Scott’s interpretation of the second movement of Beethoven’s Opus Ten, No.3 is especially poignant for the 36-year-old who endured several procedures while being treated for intestinal failure at St Mark’s Hospital.
Amanda, 36, said: “I’ve always admired Beethoven but this piece really touched me and is a reminder that the light is made all the brighter by the darkness that comes before it.
“I’ve had setbacks in my life but learned that persevering and not giving up makes success all the sweeter even if you have to take the long route round.”
Amanda hasn’t let her condition define her. She still practices eight hours a day and uses her spare time to indulge in her love of pure mathematics and competing in the Triathlon.
She added: “The triathlon is a nice counterbalance to the piano and I am competing in Iron Man Wales next year which comprises of a back-to-back 2.4m swim, 112 mile cycle ride and 26.2 mile marathon.
She takes the fact that she will have to feed herself intravenously mid-race in her stride.
“It is the least of my concerns and I don’t let my condition stop me doing what I want to do.”
When Amanda finally runs over the finish line there is the small matter of a contract to perform all 32 of Beethoven’s sonatas - a recording feat only managed by a handful of pianists.
“To date, I’ve got to grips with 26 of the sonatas. It isn’t just about learning the pieces. You have to be able to put your own feeling and personality into them. It is a challenge but that is what I like. I am really looking forward to performing at the charity concert as a thank you to St Mark’s for helping me.”
Amanda will be performing at a charity concert to raise money for St Mark’s Bowel Hospital between 7.30-10pm on Thursday November 30 at St James Church, Piccadilly.
She will be joined by members two staff in the shape of consultant violinist Maxton Pitcher and nurse and singer James Cockburn, and patient and former professional singer Chris Mitchell.
For more information and tickets, visit eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘St Mark’s Hospital Foundation.’ Tickets cost £30.