Striking a chord

AS THE PIANO RETURNS TO OUR SCREENS AND RAILWAY STATIONS, YOLANTHE FAWEHINMI CHATS TO HOST CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN AND MUSICAL MENTORS MIKA AND JON BATISTE

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The Chinese pianist’s place has been taken by Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist Jon Batiste, who has worked with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Prince, Lenny Kravitz and Ed Sheeran, and co-wrote the track American Requiem for Beyonce's Cowboy Carter album.

“I am so happy to be a mentor on The Piano and to witness the pianists for the new series express themselves on the instrument I’ve dedicated my life to,” says Jon, 38, who won a Grammy for his Netflix documentary American Symphony, which followed him composing a symphony, as his wife, American writer Suleika Jaouad, underwent cancer treatment.

“This show will bring together my unique history of performing in both train stations and concert halls.

“No matter where, I always have believed that music at its best creates community and brings folks together in divided times. It will be a massive joy to do just that all around the UK train stations with the piano and new talent.”

Lebanon-born singer-songwriter Mika, 41, says of Jon: “He is an amazing, amazing musician, and I think we were so happy to have him join the adventure. He’s completely different to Lang Lang.”

“Totally different,” adds Claudia, 53. “But can you imagine Mika, Jon, Lang Lang? Unbelievable. He [Batiste] would have looked for different things. He got super excited about certain stuff like Lang Lang used to as well. He really is amazing.”