BY PURVI RADIA | NT NETWORK
Deep down his heart, he always knew his place was at the piano. Despite starting out late on his musical career, Richard Abel made a formidable mark on the music scene.

He is here in Goa, to perform at the Richard Abel concert. ‘The Navhind Times’ caught up with the ace pianist to learn more about his music and work.
For an entertainer keeping the audience engaged is an art. American pianist, Wladziu Valentino Liberace (better known by his last name Liberace), who was known for his showmanship, was an inspiration to pianist, Richard Abel. Today, Liberace may be no more around us but he has left behind his traits in Richard. The glitzy costumes and glittering gold accessories in Liberace’s hands did not interest Richard but the art of performing did.
Wherever Richard travelled his magnificent personality attracted audience. The charisma in the performance transported people to a magical world. Adulation follows talent. Richard recounts how recently, after a gig in Mumbai, he heard his music scores which was performed during the concert, being played at the airport. He could not believe his ears. However, the pianist feels showmanship is the result of his innate personality, and as such does not call for any special effort. It is but natural. Unlike speaking in English that Richard is improving upon. “English is not my language,” says the Frenchman Richard from Montreal. “I prefer playing the piano as it does not require any accent and moreover there are no barriers in language,” he says with a lighter vein.
Richard who always sports a flamboyant personality has a smile stitched on his face. A much sought after musician for his romantic and soft music, besides the crossovers, which is a genre between classical and popular music, Richard has stolen the hearts of many with his music. Just like Sara Brightman and Andrea Bocelli who are considered as classical crossover artists.
Right from his childhood, Richard developed an ear for playing the piano from his mother who played it often. Later, the young lad who was studying bio-medical science in his first year, lost interest in academics and instead pursued his love for music. His father was upset over his decision. Nevertheless, nothing prevented the magnificent player from taking up the challenge. In spite of him starting out late in his career, he made up soon for the lost years.
The entertainer with a personal touch has a role model in Michel Jean Legrand, the Franco-American music composer, conductor, arranger and pianist. Legrand has composed more than two hundred film scores. However, Richard refuses to compose music for films. Though, the pianist, ever since he started off has 12 compositions to his credit. 99 per cent of the time, Richard plays cover version
of songs.
A gifted musician, Richard says, “I am more comfortable to speak and perform in my country and in my own native language. This helps me to express myself well.”
Richard has his fingers crossed for his performance which will be held on May 12 at Kala Academy. The musician will perform with accompanists from Mumbai and Goa. The concert titled, the Richard Abel concert is being organised by the Kripa Foundation and 
Dharavi project for street children along with Atmavishwas, a trust for the mentally challenged. The proceeds of the show will go to charity. The finance raised through these concerts will help give a new life to the children of Kripa and also the children of Atmavishwas.
Singer, Corneliu Montano, saxophonists, Rhys Sebastian, a flute and violin player, Shirish Malhotra and guitarist and Savio D will also perform at the concert.
(The Richard Abel concert will be held on May 12 at 7.30 p.m. at Kala Academy)
Making a Life
A trainee at Atmavishwas, Savio D who is born with Down syndrome is setting an example to those young adults with intellectual disabilities, that music defies all circumstances.
Savio, since childhood had an interest in rock, pop, jazz and his dream of making a mark on the music circuit turned into reality after he got training in music.
This multi-talented 29 year old plays the keyboard and guitar using his nimble fingers. He is also good at the mouth organ and currently devotes much of his time mastering the drums. Savio through his performances is spreading a message that disabilities cannot be the hindrance to bring out the best in you.
He dreams of composing music in the future. The Mumbai based artist, has his roots in Goa. He will perform a few dance moves during his performance. Savio, who is fond of Bollywood, jazz, hip-hop and Salsa trains under choreographer, Shiamak Davar in Mumbai. At the concert Savio will play western classical, popular and also Hindi music on the guitar.