Nicholas McCarthy

Who Is Nicholas McCarthy?

Nicholas McCarthy has inspired millions worldwide with his unique story and exceptional talent. Born without his right hand, he defied all odds to pursue his dream of becoming the only one-handed concert pianist. Despite countless setbacks, he gained admission to London’s prestigious Royal College of Music, making history as the first pianist to graduate without the use of one hand in the institution’s 130-year history. In 2018, he was awarded honorary membership by its President, HRH King Charles.

What is his Background?

As one of the world’s most inspiring pianists, Nicholas McCarthy has captivated international audiences, performing in prestigious venues like London’s Royal Albert Hall and on global stages. A career highlight was his performance with Coldplay at the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic Games, which reached 86,000 live spectators and half a billion viewers worldwide. He is also a passionate advocate for left-hand-only repertoire, a genre that gained popularity after World War I to accommodate injured musicians. Beyond his concert career, McCarthy is a skilled communicator and a sought-after corporate speaker. He has presented keynote talks for companies such as Goldman Sachs, BNP Paribas, and ITV, and has delivered three TEDx talks.