Derek Paravicini was born at just 25 weeks in Surrey, England. His premature birth lead to severe learning disabilities and, as a result of too much oxygen, he also lost his sight. But despite these handicaps, Derek was blessed with an extraordinary gift - absolute pitch. He began to play the piano at the age of two, and in 1989, Derek had his first major public concert at the Barbican Hall in London, when he played with the Royal Philharmonic Pops Orchestra. He was nine years old.
Today, at age 28, Derek can play a piece of music after hearing it once. He plays entirely by ear, having memorized thousands of pieces, from jazz to pop and light classical, and is a great improviser.
Musical Genius premieres Thursday, January 31 at 9pm et/pt. Click here for more airdates!