Viv McLean

A narrated concert based on Jessica Duchen's novel Alicia's Gift. Repertoire includes works by Chopin, Debussy, Granados, Ravel and Gershwin played by the award-winning pianist Viv McLean.

What does a family do to a talented child? What does the presence of a prodigy do to the family? The topics of this acclaimed novel hold perennial fascination for countless music-lovers. Duchen's story follows the piano prodigy Alicia Bradley and her embattled parents from the revelation of her talent, aged three, through to her adulthood and her participation in the Leeds International Piano Competition. The process leaves none of them unchanged and ultimately forces Alicia to face harsh truths about herself, her guidance and her gift.