Nordoff Robbins – George Michael and Derek Paravacini
We were very proud to attend the 45th Silver Clef lunch on Friday 1st July as guests of our client GEORGE MICHAEL ENTERTAINMENT. We were overjoyed that George Michael’s personal Bechstein piano which his Estate had donated for auction raised a staggering £200,000 towards the Charity’s vital work which along with so many other charitable causes has been so severely affected by events of the past two years. We believe that such a magnificent donation and the competition during the bidding is not only a testament to the memory and legacy of George Michael and carries on the tradition of his philanthropic work it is also a recognition that now, more than ever, the work of Nordoff Robbins has to be supported and continued long into the future.
It would be remiss not to mention the contribution of another Russells client, Derek Paravicini, to Friday’s event. Derek is blind, autistic with severe learning difficulties. When approached about the possibility of performing a piece at the event as the prelude to the auction of the piano he unhesitatingly agreed and provided his services for no fee both at the event and during rehearsals. We do not think that any of us who were there will ever forget the hauntingly beautiful arrangement as performed by Derek of George’s “Cowboys and Angels” as testified to by the spontaneous cheer and 100% standing ovation at the end of the performance. We know everyone will join us in thanking Derek and his team of Johnny Stirling and Adam Ockelford for their invaluable contribution to the success of the auction.
You can watch Derek’s rehearsal performance of “Cowboys and Angels” here:
The rehearsal video has also been attached to The Nordoff Robbins website https://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/ and you can view more about the Silver Clef Awards here https://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/events/the-o2-silver-clef-awards/