21/05/2020
Amazing young man xx
As our Social Sounds competition draws to a close, we’re thrilled to share this touching lockdown entry from 14-year-old Matthew English. His mum submitted his video, and shared his story:
Despite having a hearing loss, Matthew wanted to play the violin from a young age. When he was 7 he started having lessons. Since then he has been determined to prove that children like him can achieve anything they want. In the last few years, due to family circumstances, Matthew has been unable to continue formal lessons, but showed a huge amount of determination by teaching himself.
Two years ago he lost a very important person in his life, which led him to playing his violin more to not only make his friend proud but raise funds for a memorial. Matthew loves performing and has played at a variety of different venues but the most rewarding place he likes to play is in a care home as he loves to make people happy with his music.
Here is Matthew's version of ‘Someone You Loved’ by Lewis Capaldi, which he regularly plays on his family’s balcony during lockdown just before the clapping for the NHS and carers. He loves playing this tune and the emotion behind it - having read about Lewis Capaldi’s inspiration behind the song it really touched Matthew and seemed perfect in the current situation.
As a young carer for his grandmother Matthew appreciates how important it is to look after those we love and plays this tune in dedication to all those who are carers. He is so pleased to have his music and violin to play while we are in lockdown. On Thursday evenings he enjoys playing a variety of tunes from our balcony to cheer everyone up with some live music during these difficult times.
https://youtu.be/RP36GE7J3bE