Yamaha´s Top Model Takes To The Catwalk With Vivienne Westwood

Yamaha's flagship piano, the CFX took to the Paris catwalk recently as the extraordinary young composer and pianist, 16 year old Kyle Nash-Baker provided the soundtrack to Vivienne Westwood's Gold Label fashion show.

A Yamaha Piano artist, the journey for Kyle started after he sent Vivienne a piece of his music: the legendary fashion designer was so impressed by the composition that she then designed the set for her new collection around his piano performance. Under the huge chandelier of the Opera Ballroom at Le Grand Hotel Intercontinental, Paris, Kyle wowed the world's fashion press performing a selection of his own compositions.

The performance and the stunning set design drew rapturous applause from the audience and was widely reported and highly acclaimed by the world's press. Vivienne Westwood told Kyle that the response she received from this show surpassed her expectations and that the music had contributed significantly the audience experience. Kyle stated, "The wonderful CFX piano that Yamaha provided was one of the best I have ever played. It really helped settle my nerves before the event".

Kyle Nash-Baker's talent and unique story captured the imagination of the public last year on TV talent show 'Must be the Music'. Not only did he reach the show's semi-finals, but his composition 'Red'  subsequently topped the iTunes Classical Download chart for 2 weeks.
 
Kyle has a condition called 'synaesthesia' which causes him to see colours when he plays. He uses this to help him compose according to which colours he sees. Kyle has been playing the piano for just under 4 years and originally taught himself to play by watching pianist's fingers on youtube and copying their actions. His parents first noticed his talent when he asked to play a piano in a bar at the age of twelve - he had not had any lessons at that stage and proceeded to play to the entire room for over two hours. Kyle is also self taught on violin, cello, bass guitar and viola.