 Shokolat is the alter-ego of a doctor who trained at the University of Bristol, graduating in 1999 and who now specialises in Burns and Plastic Surgery. He also has higher degrees in both Engineering and Law, and was awarded a Professorship by the Royal College of Surgeons of England. His other great passion is music, and he began playing the piano at an early age. His style is characterised by atmospheric melody, written in a classic style with a modern twist. For example, the "Song Without Words" is remarkable in its simplicity but with a tune that is impossible to get out of your head! "Memories" arranged for Cello and Piano is one of the most moving short pieces for these instruments ever written. "Flying" takes you on an emotional journey that can be addictive, and the Canon for 2 pianos is not only unique but prompts a stab at the "repeat" button! "Faire L'Amour" speaks for itself.... His style and direction moves away from conventional classical music whilst staying true to its roots, and aims at a more diverse audience. Always keen to draw in a younger audience to provide young pianists with inspiration to play and compose, he is keen to collaborate with modern musicians from styles as diverse as pop, dance and hip-hop as well as classical musicians. For example, his collaboration with acclaimed young cellist Yoshika Masuda has brought a new dimension to the music. The atmospheric nature of his music lends perfectly to adaptation for the big screen, and he is keen to collaborate with film-makers of all genres. His music is accessible to pianists of all standards, and the scores of his pieces are readily available. He performed at the Duke of Westminster's Estate at Eaton Hall on behalf of the Prince's Trust for their 30th anniversary charity event, where he played a piece written specially for the occasion. He recently hosted and performed in a charity concert at the famous Brangwyn Hall raising thousands of pounds for local charities mostly related to the Welsh Burns Centre. Shokolat features regularly on national radio stations throughout Europe - including Classic FM (www.classicfm.nl), Klassik Radio Germany (www.klassikradio.de), Lyric FM Ireland and Concertzender-Radio 6 Netherlands (www.concertzender.nl), as well as Sky.fm. He also features in BBC Music Magazine and Pianist Magazine. |
