A 13-year-old blind pianist, Chapman Shum, joined other young disabled performers at the UK’s first-ever inclusive music festival held at the Bristol Beacon. The event, part of the nationwide Music for Youth Festival 2024, provided a platform for 140 young people aged 11-25 from D/deaf, neurodivergent, and disabled communities to showcase their musical talents on a big stage.
Chapman, who was born blind due to a rare genetic condition that also affected his speech and learning abilities, began playing music at age five when he taught himself to play “It’s a Small World” on a toy piano after a visit to Disneyland. At the festival, he performed two classical pieces: Bach’s Toccata in E Minor and Chopin’s Impromptu No. 3 in G-flat Major.
“I play music to inspire people, because if I can do it, you can do it too,” said Chapman.
Music for Youth, a national charity dedicated to supporting young musicians in the UK, organized the event in collaboration with Bristol Beacon. The festival aimed to celebrate the creativity and musical talents of young people of all abilities, featuring both group and solo performances, as well as workshops and talks from musicians at Trinity College London.
Phil Castang, chief executive of Music for Youth, emphasized the importance of inclusion, stating, “We believe everyone should have the opportunity to express themselves and share their talents.”
The event also featured performances from Rubik’s Cube, a rock group composed of students aged 11-19 from Osborne School, a special needs school in Winchester. The group uses Makaton sign language and singing to perform covers of popular songs by artists like Fleetwood Mac, Miley Cyrus, and Chuck Berry. “I’m looking forward to everyone watching me in the show, it’s very fun,” said Liam, one of the young performers.
Kings of Wessex Academy, based in Cheddar, also participated, sending its brass band to represent local talent from Bristol.
The Music for Youth Festival 2024, which includes regional festivals across the UK in March, is the country’s largest festival for young musicians. The event at the Bristol Beacon served as a pilot for the festival’s broader mission to create accessible spaces for young artists and the public, ensuring the next generation of performers has the opportunity to shine on stage.