Our Christmas Concert
Welcome to the Hughes & Modoni Christmas Concert, an evening of festive music and celebration. We are delighted to present an extraordinary line-up tonight, featuring our esteemed guest artist, Tom Donald.
As a master improviser, Tom will guide us through a medley of carols and Christmas songs, engaging the audience both at home and online in a spectacular journey through tunes dear to us all.
About Tom Donald
Tom Donald is the Founder and Principal of the London Contemporary School of Piano. A passionate advocate for the use of chords and improvisation in music learning, Tom has dedicated over two decades to coaching musical transformations. Born in Coonabarabran and raised in Tamworth, Australia’s country music capital, Tom’s journey has taken him from leading bands and producing albums to performing solo at iconic venues such as Abbey Road Studios.
Since the age of 16, Tom has led numerous touring bands and produced a variety of albums in collaboration with American jazz vocalists and film directors. His prolific solo career as a pianist includes critically acclaimed performances in concert halls across London and Europe, including sold-out concerts at Conway Hall and the Shard London.
In 2011, Tom established the London Contemporary School of Piano, which has since become a global force in piano education, partnering with Blüthner pianos. The school has taught over 500 students from more than 20 countries. Tom is also the author of the “Harmony Method,” a revolutionary approach to teaching classical, jazz, and popular harmony on piano.
Tom has composed soundtracks for numerous award-winning films, collaborating closely with artists like Kurdish Iraqi singer and Freedom Fighter Nawroz Orami. His notable works include the soundtracks for “Tangled Up In Blue,” “Leaving Baghdad,” and “The Deep.” His collaboration with General Andy Salmon on "Journey Through Conflict Iraq" has been featured on BBC Radio 2 and the Clare Balding Show.
In 2017, Tom co-founded the Citizens of the World Choir with human rights activist Becky Dell and Liberal Democrat Peer, Lord Roger Roberts. The choir, consisting of refugees and community members, aims to foster peaceful discourse in polarising times. They have performed alongside Sting at the Shakespeare Globe and at various high-profile events.
As a music educator, Tom has appeared on BBC Newsnight, discussing George Martin’s influence on The Beatles, and his compositions have been featured on Radio 2’s Clare Balding Show. Tom’s media appearances and innovative teaching methods have made him a significant figure in contemporary piano education.
Special Presentation: Young Maestros by Brian Hughes
We are also honoured to feature a special presentation by one of our benefactors, Brian Hughes. Brian will introduce his first book of piano compositions by children, "Young Maestros." This inspiring collection showcases the creativity and talent of his young pupils, aged 4 to 12. Under Brian’s guidance, these brilliant young minds have composed songs and short piano pieces, some of which will be performed tonight by the children themselves.