This Is Your Life: Cyril Smith (pianist)

Cyril SMITH (1909-1974)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Cyril Smith, concert pianist and teacher, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews while rehearsing on the piano at the BBC Television Theatre, having been led to believe he was there for a demonstration of three-handed piano playing.

Cyril, who was born in Middlesborough and studied at the Royal College of Music, played in his first symphony concert in Birmingham in 1930 and his first Prom the same year at London's Queen's Hall. He performed with his wife, Phyllis Sellick, as a piano duo at the Proms in 1941, and together, they made many international concert tours for ENSA and the British Council.

In 1956, while on a concert tour of the Soviet Union, Cyril suffered a stroke which paralysed his left arm and left his career in doubt. However, the first public appearance of a piano concerto played with three hands took place in Birmingham in 1957 when Cyril and Phyllis performed together again as a piano duo.

"No! I'm very frightened!"

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