Genius rising from despair: the ‘Shine’-ing pianist

Born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1947 to Polish-Jewish parents, Helfgott showed an extraordinary talent for piano playing at the age of 5. “I was drawn to the piano as soon as I saw one,” says Helfgott in an interview with Today's Zaman, “and it has become my great joy.” Helfgott had a passion for the piano since his early years. “I used to go and play for friends and neighbors, and I loved doing that,” he says.

 During his teenage years, Helfgott was discovered by the masters of the time. He won the state finals of the ABC Instrumental and Vocal Competition six times, and the experts who saw him urged him to study overseas. But that would not be so easy for the young Helfgott. It was only after five years that he went to London to study at the Royal College of Music with Cyril Smith. “My dreams at that time were to improve my playing further, experience the exciting concerts in London in the '60s and to meet other musicians from other countries,” notes Helfgott, recalling the excitement and eagerness of those years.

Interruption for 12 years

However, in 1970 something happened that would interrupt Helfgott's musical career for a long time: Living under so much pressure for so many years, Helftook developed a mental illness and spent the next 12 years in an asylum. Twelve years passing in obscurity, but not without hope...

“My health did stop me from fulfilling my dreams in the '70s,” says Helfgott, “but my mental journey has added a greater dimension to my music because of the challenges I faced.”

It was in the 1980s when Helfgott came back into the public eye; he gave his first major recital in June 1984. Recitals in London, Bonn, Vienna, Budapest and Copenhagen followed, marking the return of one of the greatest pianists of our time. His wife, Gillian Murray, who is also depicted in the film “Shine,” is undoubtedly his most important supporter in the process. “Without her, I would not be here now,” notes Helfgott, emphasizing his love for Murray.

The 1990s were full of concerts, recitals and albums for Helfgott. In 1996, the film “Shine” contributed to Helfgott's fame. After the film was released, he was known not only by piano lovers but by people all over the world. “The film is true to the essence of my life,” says Helfgott, adding, “We are so proud of it, and it is such an inspiring film.”

    As illustrated in the film, the first piece of music that comes to mind when Helfgott is mentioned is certainly Sergei Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto, one of the hardest pieces in the standard piano repertoire and one which few can play correctly. In 1995, Helfgott returned to Denmark after a musical world tour to do a live recording of the Third Piano Concerto. “Everything in the music of Rachmaninoff inspires me,” says Helfgott. “His melodies are so beautiful; they touch me and make me cry.”

In 1997, after touring the US, Helfgott achieved his dream of returning to the Royal Albert Hall, where he had triumphed in 1970 in front of 6,000 people with his performance of Liszt's Concerto No. 1 in E Flat Major. But this time, he made his victory with the Third Concerto, which would later become Helfgott's bestselling album.

Since then Helfgott has recorded new albums and toured Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Germany, Austria, South Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore. Today, in his 24th year back on stage, Helfgott continues to tour the world. “I am touring in Australia at the moment,” says Helfgott, “and getting the most fantastic audiences.” There's no doubt that the response from his audience gives him great energy. “Standing ovations and cheers at every concert” is how Helfgott describes the atmosphere, adding, “It is great.”

After playing in İstanbul, the prominent pianist's tour will continue until next year. “Then I will have three months at home in my lovely garden with friends,” notes Helfgott, who never forgets the support he has received from his loved ones.