Battlefords musical prodigy Cole Knutson is making progress in his studies at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Prairie boy's dream

Battlefords musical prodigy Knutson grateful for community’s support

Dec 23, 2019 | 2:34 PM

Battlefords musician Cole Knutson is sending a message of thanks to his community this Christmas for enabling him to study piano at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, U.K.

“After being in London for three-and-a-half months, I’ve finally squeezed in time to write,” he said in an audio message sent to battlefordsNOW. “I can honestly say, things haven’t been going better here and I’m taking the city on by storm.”

The North Battleford musical prodigy managed to raise about $60,000 from community donations, benefactors’ support and grants. The money will be used to cover his living expenses and visa application costs over the next two years while he studies in the Artist Masters program.

He held three fundraiser concerts this past summer in North Battleford to gather support for his goal.

Knutson, who performed in Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2017, hopes to one day have a successful career in music on the world stage.

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He now lives in the Chiswick area of London and started his life abroad subbing for piano rehearsals and playing concerts with the English National Opera and the Royal Opera House.

He said in the first two weeks of studies he recorded piano accompaniment for over 70 different arias for various singers at his school.

The mild mannered 23-year-old said he appreciates those who gave him support when he was growing up in the Battlefords and who “understood that I was weird and odd, but saw that as something to foster rather than eradicate.”

Knutson said he is embracing his life in London and Europe, but always knows “at the end of the day, nonetheless, I am a Prairie boy.”

“I love my home and so many of the people there,” he said.

The young artist said he hopes to give a music recital series in the Battlefords this summer if his plans materialize.

“I find myself often saying that I’m living my best life,” Knutson said. “I have to pinch myself from time to time to remind myself that this is my life, and this is my reality.

“I’m really grateful to be here everyday, and will never forget all the support I received from the community to embark on this beautiful journey.”

Knutson said he wishes everyone “the greatest of love, joy and hope for a better world today and a better world tomorrow.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW