Kate Kennedy, a talented cellist, won a scholarship to study at Wells Cathedral School at the age of 15. However, her dreams were shattered when she suffered a debilitating arm injury while preparing for a major competition. After months of failed treatments and unanswered questions, she was forced to come to terms with the possibility of never being able to play again. Over the next two years, she slowly regained some use of her arm through physiotherapy and rest, allowing her to perform with early music ensembles.
Kennedy’s perspective changed during a photoshoot, where she realized the deep emotional connection she had with her cello. She embarked on a journey across Europe to discover the stories of other cellists and their instruments, uncovering tales of resilience and passion. Through her travels, she learned that she was not alone in her struggles with injury and the stigma surrounding musicians’ physical health.
Kennedy’s experiences led her to recognize the need for more support and awareness of musicians’ injuries in the industry. She hopes that her story and the stories of other cellists can help break the silence and stigma surrounding injured musicians. Despite the challenges she faced, Kennedy remains determined to return to the repertoire she loves, supported by a community of musicians in similar situations.
Kennedy’s book, “Cello: A Journey Through Silence to Sound,” published by Bloomsbury, shares her personal journey of overcoming injury and finding solace in music. Through her work, she aims to raise awareness and support for musicians struggling with injuries, highlighting the importance of physical well-being in the world of professional music.
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Photo credit www.theguardian.com