During the first episode of ABC’s new series The Piano, budding piano player Fergus is asked by host Amanda Keller who his musical inspirations are – and Harry Connick Jr. quickly springs to his mind, among others. But unbeknownst to the young pianist, the Grammy Award winner is watching him through a screen in a nearby room, noticeably flattered by the mention.
“When you hear that from anyone, it’s really an honour and it’s a reminder of how fortunate I am to be able to do this,” the 57-year-old tells WHO. “I also feel like I have a responsibility to keep working at my craft because people are listening.”
The six-part series gives Australians from all walks of life the chance to showcase their piano-playing talents in public spaces, all the while being secretly watched by Connick, as well as classical concert pianist Andrea Lam.
“I got a chance to be a part of something that I think belongs on TV right now,” he explains. “It’s a kind of unsettled world we live in, and I think this is the kind of show that will make people feel good and give them some comfort.”
Had you watched the UK version of The Piano before signing on?
I did. They called and asked if I wanted to be part of the Australian version. It sounded intriguing, but I really didn’t know what it was. So they sent me the UK version, and I watched some of that, and I was touched by it. I thought it was really heartwarming and it looked like something I wanted to be a part of. I was really happy I did it because it was a wonderful experience.
You’ve been part of a judging panel before, but this series is very different. What do you think sets The Piano apart?
Well, it’s definitely not a competition show. To me, it’s just a celebration of the piano and how this instrument that’s so familiar to us kind of plays a role in so many of our lives. On [Australian] Idol, I was hired to literally judge these performers who were coming on to try to make a career in the entertainment business. But the first thing that’s different is that these people, they had no idea they were even being watched, at least by us. I mean, they knew they were being watched when they got up there, because they were kind of gathering a crowd, but they didn’t know I was there or that Andrea was there.
Is there something you’ve found that sets Australians apart when it comes to a show like this?
I think y’all love to have a good time – it’s a fun place to be. But I think on a personal level, what strikes me about Australians is that you’re just kind people. And there’s a humility among the Australians that is so lovely to see for an American. It’s hard to describe, but – I don’t care how high the skill level was for these pianists – when Andrea and I went into the room after they all played and they were surprised to see us, you know, whether they were these children or people who really had been doing it for a really long time, there’s just a sense of humility among everyone that was nice to see.
Australia seems to have become a home away from home for you. Does having your family here make job offers Down Under instantly more appealing?
Definitely. You know, our daughters all live there and they just love it. We had been telling them about it for years. I brought a couple of them there when I was on tour over the years. And so the older ones, they had been there and they loved it. They just adore the country and the people, like [wife] Jill [Goodacre] and I do. And so any chance I have to come down now, it’s that much more fun, because they’re all there and we get to be with them. My antennae are up – anytime something happens down there, I’m always ready to go.
How was it collaborating with Andrea on The Piano?
Andrea Lam is such a special human being on so many levels. Because, first of all, she is just one of the sweetest, kindest people I’ve ever met. She’s brilliant – she needs, like, another head to carry all that brain around. She’s so smart and you sort of forget she’s the level of musician she is. On the rare occasion she would be at a piano and play, you’re like, “Holy crap!” She’s just world-class, and her desire to dig deeper constantly and grow as an artist, it’s just incredible. I felt really honoured to sit next to her.
Finally, do you have any favourites from the series?
It’s impossible to pick because it’s kind of like picking a kid. But we were awestruck so many times.
(The Piano airs Sundays at 7.30pm on ABC)
