Archive · 22 Aug 2025
One-Handed Pianist Shines at BBC Proms, Inspiring Others
Nicholas McCarthy, a pianist born without a right hand, is making a name for himself in the classical music world.
He recently performed a famous piano piece written for someone who lost an arm in the war.
McCarthy faced challenges early on because of his disability, but he persevered, attending prestigious music schools and making history as their first one-handed graduate.
Now, he's a successful performer and is also helping to inspire others.
He hopes to see more diversity in music, encouraging anyone to achieve their dreams with determination and focus.
Nicholas McCarthy, a one-handed pianist, made his Prom debut performing Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand.
The concerto was originally written for Paul Wittgenstein, who lost an arm in World War I.
McCarthy was rejected by a music school initially due to his disability but later attended the Guildhall School of Music.
He was the first one-handed graduate of the Royal College of Music London in 2012.
McCarthy is passionate about wider representation in classical music and is also a motivational speaker.
- Who
- Nicholas McCarthy, a one-handed pianist.
- What
- Nicholas McCarthy performed Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand at the BBC Proms.
- When
- In 2025, on July 20.
- Where
- At the BBC Proms in London.
- Why
- To showcase the challenging repertoire for the left hand and inspire others.
- Artist
- Nicholas McCarthy
- Performance
- Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand
- Venue
- BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall
- Year of Debut
- 2025
- Notable
- First one-handed graduate of Royal College of Music