A talented autistic musician has reached the final of a Channel 4 talent show to find the UK’s best pianists. Sean Logan, from Edinburgh, previously appeared in a BAFTA-winning short film, Harmonic Spectrum.
The Piano is a TV talent competition to find four of the UK’s top amateur pianists, hosted by Claudia Winkleman and judged by global popstar Mika and world-renowned pianist Lang Lang.
In the show, amateur piano players share their experiences and perform on public pianos in train stations the UK, while their playing is judged in secret by Mica and Lang Lang.
The chosen finalists get the opportunity to perform in a grand concert finale at the Royal Festival Hall in London, which will be aired on Channel 4 at 9pm on Wednesday.
Sean also performed his own Edinburgh Fringe show last year focused on his experiences as an autistic musician and will be appearing at the festival again this year.
Sean Logan, The Piano finalist, said: “It’s been a fantastic experience being on the show, I’ve really enjoyed it and it was great to get to perform as a finalist alongside such talented musicians at the Royal Festival Hall.
“Music brings people together in a positive way and, for me, as an autistic person, it is a great way to connect with others. I think it’s really important that autistic people are seen on TV and portrayed in an honest way, as it inspires other autistic people to be themselves and to not hide away or think that they aren’t valued. This show, like Harmonic Spectrum, does just that.
“In my experience, the help is out there if you’re autistic and you need it, but it can often be difficult to find. I think that getting that help and support is vital, because when autistic people are supported and encouraged, they can achieve great things.”
Rob Holland, Director of the National Autistic Society Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to see Sean reach the final of The Piano, and that he has the platform to showcase his exceptional talent.
“It’s also a step forward for positive autistic representation on TV, as it challenges the stereotypical view as to what autistic people can achieve. It also draws attention to the benefits of creative musical interaction, which we know helps many autistic people to enhance their confidence and self-expression.
“We hope that this achievement will inspire more autistic people like Sean to express themselves creatively and have the opportunity to showcase their skills and abilities.”