I am an up and coming contemporary solo pianist/composer based in Wellington, New Zealand. I have been composing since 2017 - my compositions are deep, healing, and aim to tell stories that reflect some tough periods i've experienced in my first 25 years of life to help raise awareness for mental health and make a difference. Through my compositions and accompanying messages, I try to encourage others to speak up about their mental health instead of suffering silently like too many do. I draw inspiration from a vast array of contemporary pianists like Brian Crain and Michele McLaughlin, as well as many others from around the world. I have performed in venues around Wellington and in my spare time I often play at my local retirement village to play for the elderly. I am also an avid player of public pianos – I can be found playing on the Wellington waterfront piano and I have played for crowds on various public pianos in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. I enjoy the thrill of playing live and hope that my playing uplifts and enlightens listeners, and most importantly brightens people’s days and puts smiles on faces. The piano is an instrument ingrained in my bloodline - being the great-nephew of the late Peter Cooper, a well-known 20th century New Zealand concert pianist and a war pianist in World War II. In late 2020, I released my debut album, 'Breaking the Silence' on all streaming platforms. You can learn more about me and my piano story at www.samuelcooperpianist.com