Brad Kella has returned to the place where he once performed as a busker to unveil a blue plaque celebrating his rise from local pianist to Channel 4 winner. The Tickle the Ivories festival is now under way across Liverpool city centre.
Liverpool ONE has unveiled a blue plaque celebrating the site where Liverpool-born pianist Brad Kella performed more than a decade ago. The location marks the exact spot where Kella first played while busking during a difficult period in his life, serving as the start of a professional career that has since seen him achieve a number one classical album. "A few years ago, I was in a really rough situation in my life and I was using public pianos on this very street to make a living," Kella said during the unveiling.
"The fact that now, a few years down the line, I've got a number one album and my name on a plaque on the wall in Liverpool, that's going to be there for the foreseeable future with my daughter's name on it as well, means the absolute world to me."
Kella, who rose to prominence after winning Channel 4's "The Piano," emphasized his desire to inspire others and make classical music more accessible. He noted that the genre is often perceived as elitist or overly expensive, and he hopes his success proves that musical talent can thrive from unexpected beginnings.
"I want to be a role model for people, and I also want to engage people into a genre of music which they once thought they'd never be interested in," he added. Donna Howitt, deputy centre director at Liverpool ONE, said the city is incredibly proud of Kella’s journey. "To have a success story like Brad, we shouldn't be surprised, but we are incredibly proud," Howitt said. "His talent was first showcased here, and he is an incredible, humble person.
I'm sure he has a part to play in inspiring some young people to say, 'Do you know what? I'd like to have a go at that.'" The plaque's reveal coincides with the launch of the annual "Tickle the Ivories" event, which has been held at the shopping district since 2011. The initiative places pianos throughout the area, allowing anyone, regardless of ability, to perform for free. The instruments will remain in place until mid-September, offering visitors the same opportunity to share their talent that Kella once utilized to launch his own career.
