Pianist Kimball Gallagher plays music for a cause

Music has the power to reach masses. That’s what New-York based pianist Kimball Gallagher believes in, and so, he clubs his music with humanitarian causes.

Music has the power to reach masses. That’s what New-York based pianist Kimball Gallagher believes in, and so, he clubs his music with humanitarian causes. “Music can be really inspiring. People listen to music differently when they have a cause in mind,” says Gallagher, who has been on a six city tour in India, in support of waste-picker NGOs, and will conclude his tour with a performance in the city, today.

Forced by his dad, Gallagher began playing the piano at the age of 5 but quit after a few years. “My dad used to force me to practice every morning. So, a few years later, I began playing again and had my first concert at a local store in Boston at the age of 15,” says the 32-year-old, who also plays the guitar. “That’s my alter-ego,” he adds. He is currently on a 88-Key Concert Tour, which will see him play in at least 88 different venues.

His performance in the city is in collaboration with the NGO, Chintan. “I met its founder and director Bharti Chaturvedi, while doing some work for the United Nations. It was then that we decided of this collaboration,” says Gallagher, who is enjoying his stay in India.

“It’s my second trip to India. But I haven’t had much time to go around visiting places as I’ve been constantly travelling. I’ve been eating a lot of Indian food as I love it. The curries, spices, everything is so good, the only problem is that I can’t remember the names of the dishes,” he says.

Ask him what’s the most important quality in a pianist and he says: “A combination of originality and the ability to communicate... I, too, try to make my concerts intimate by interacting with my audience. That’s why I enjoy performing for smaller crowds.”

Catch him here
What: A performance by pianist Kimball Gallagher from
New York
When: November 5
Timing: 7pm
Entry: Free
Where: Teen Murti Auditorium
Nearest metro station: Central Secretariat on the Yellow Line

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