World-Famous Pianist Brings Joy with Surprise Visit to Former Teacher

Renowned pianist Derek Paravicini gave a surprise performance last week for his former teaching assistant, Linda Rootes, at the care home where she lives in Thames Ditton.

Linda supported Derek with his learning for 12 years while he was at Linden Lodge School, a specialist school in Wimbledon which supports children living with visual and sensory impairments.

Born prematurely, Derek is blind and has autism. His musical talent was visible from a young age, and by 10 years old, he was already turning heads as a concert pianist.

The surprise performance took place at Thames View, the care home where Linda lives, and was arranged by a friend who also used to work at Linden Lodge.

Derek was pleased to have the opportunity to perform for Linda and said: “I’m so thrilled to be playing for Linda, one of my old teachers at Linden Lodge School for the Blind in Wandsworth. It was fantastic to meet her again, and I loved it when she sang along to the songs I played.”

Derek’s talents on the piano are not confined to set genre or style, and he enchanted Linda and her fellow residents at Thames View with a huge variety of pieces and songs. From Chopin and Debussy to Barry Manilow and Frank Sinatra, the audience delighted in his proficiency across every type of music.

Linda was truly touched by the surprise which had been arranged for her, and said: “I was so surprised to see Derek today – he’s gotten so tall! I really enjoyed the performance and having the chance to catch up with him. Supporting him at school was a very special experience for me.”

The home manager at Thames View, Paul Fenech, was delighted to be able to facilitate the reunion: “Linda’s a very special lady. She had a wonderful career supporting children living with visual impairments, and today just goes to show how much she meant to those children in turn.

“We love having Linda as part of our community at Thames View. Today’s performance was such a treat for everyone that calls Thames View home, and we’d love to have Derek back to play for us again in the future.”