Harper’s Musical Talent Captivates Canada

Posted by admin on Oct 20, 2009 in Issues & Ideas | 0 comments

Spectators of all political stripes gave a standing ovation to Prime Minister Stephen Harper earlier this month after he took the stage at the National Arts Centre to sing and play piano to the classic Beatles tune, “With a Little Help From My Friends.”
Last year at this time, Harper commented that galas were the playgrounds for the elites and that they don’t resonate with “ordinary people;” however, watching his light-hearted performance alongside legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma, you would never have known.

Harper’s wife Laureen has been in strong support of the NAC since 2005. She is an honourary chairwoman, and helped organize this year’s event, which raised money for arts education for youth across the country.

The surprising and unexpected performance has become a conversation and blogging phenomenon in recent weeks. It had been talked about everywhere from the church pulpit to the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Such a show of charisma had never been exhibited by Harper before, as he is usually referred to as being robotic or emotionless; yet, there is no doubt he was able to break ground not even covered by Trudeau’s charismatic years in office.
The irony of the song choice follows the fact that the Conservatives just recently needed a little “help” from the NDP, in passing a Liberal vote of no-confidence.

Harper started learning the piano at an early age, and for the first half-year of lessons the young Harper didn’t own a real piano, and instead practiced on a cardboard keyboard. He admits he “had a bit of talent” but was held back because his hands shook when he had to perform in front of people—a fear he has since gotten over.

He eventually passed the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Grade 9 examination and ever since moving into 24 Sussex Drive has been practicing on the residence’s piano alongside his son, Ben, who is teaching himself piano and guitar. Stephen Harper is currently a part of a band called Stephen and the Firewalls alongside some friends and staff.