Pianist Paul Cardall
Monday, February 15 is a day that will live forever in the memory of pianist and composer Paul Cardall. That’s when a loving crowd packed Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, Utah to celebrate with him. Billed as a “Celebration of Life,” it marked Cardall’s first public performance since his heart transplant, five months ago.
In August 2008, Paul Cardall was suffering severe heart failure and was told by medical professionals he needed a heart transplant or would slowly grow weaker and die.
Paul wrote on his blog, “If you were told you only had a week, a month, or a year to live, what would you change? This perspective empowers you and I to understand what really matters in this world. If we change, if we improve, there is a rippling effect of love and strength, which has the power to change our family, community, and so on…”
Mindy Gledhill, Ryan Tilby, and Sam Payne at Paul Cardall's "Celebration of Life" concert.
That spirit of hope an optimism shone onstage in Abravanel Hall. Cardall surrounded himself with musical friends, including Peter Breinholt, Mindy Gledhill, Sam Payne, and Charlie Jenkins, and an onstage band directed by Ryan Tilby.
Said Paul of the evening, “A touching moment for me came when I met several families who’ve been deeply affected this past year by congenital heart disease. From the families who’ve lost children to an individual who has survived CHD and has a child with a tumor. I was speechless for most of the interaction because I don’t know how to help or what to say to alleviate their challenges. Needless, to say I was deeply affected by meeting such incredible souls. And because of the contributions of so many we will be able to send a modest financial donation to a several families.
Peter Breinholt performs with Paul Cardall against a backdrop of cell phone "stars" at Abravanel Hall.
I can’t express my gratitude for a priceless evening. I remember many years ago playing in the Roof Restaurant at the top of the Joseph Smith Building in downtown Salt Lake City. From my piano I could see Abravanel Hall and quietly dream that someday I would perform there. Last night, was someday!”
The photos included in this post were taken by Dustin Bess. More of Dustin’s work can be found at www.dustinbess.com
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