Richmond music teacher stuns The Piano judges with performance at Heathrow

By Cesar Medina 12th May 2025

Edison R. Carolino moved judges and travellers alike with his powerful Heathrow Airport piano performance on Channel 4’s The Piano (credit: The Piano/ Channel 4).
Edison R. Carolino moved judges and travellers alike with his powerful Heathrow Airport piano performance on Channel 4’s The Piano (credit: The Piano/ Channel 4).

A Richmond music teacher captivated judges and viewers alike during a standout performance on Channel 4's The Piano, which aired last night (Sunday, 11 May).

Edison R. Carolino, Musical Director at the Otakar Kraus Music Trust in south West London, appeared in series three, episode five of the popular show—this time uniquely filmed in Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5.

The episode featured nine amateur pianists playing live for passengers and the show's hosts, Claudia Winkleman, singer Mika, and Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste.

It marked the final opportunity for contestants to secure a spot in the end-of-series concert at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead.

Edison was the final performer of the night, delivering his rendition of Alexandre Levy's 'Allegro Appassionato', which left a strong impression on both the audience and the judges.

Reflecting on the emotions of the performance, Edison said: "When I play the piano I have that kind of power to communicate with people.

"In the airport you have two types of people—happy when you're going somewhere on holiday, and sad when you're saying bye bye to someone you love. I hope I can play and people can feel something like that."

Originally from Brazil, Edison also shared a personal connection to the location of the episode being shot at Heathrow Airport.

He said: "I remember the first feeling when I got here to the UK—it was happy, exciting.

"But I was here about two weeks ago saying bye to my mum after she visited. We spent two weeks together and then she went back to Brazil, so I think I'm going to remember that kind of feeling today."

Whilst he was playing, Mika praised Edison's technique, remarking: "This is probably some of the best technique we've seen so far. Not too soft, not too strong.

"It's the pain of romantic classical music—but marinated in Brazilian sunshine."

Batiste added: "He's playing us into sunset. What a gift. This is displaying technical velocity, tone and precision—and there's a depth of artistry coming through. You don't have to be a professional to have artistry."

After his performance in the terminal, a visibly emotional Edison said: "I am still shaking... what a great experience. I think I need to go to the pub now. I want to go to the pub."

Edison works with the Otakar Kraus Music Trust to help people with a range of physical and learning disabilities experience the joy of music.

He has been instrumental in the development of the charity's teaching method and OK Music School.

The latest episode of The Piano is available to watch on demand via Channel 4.

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