Belfast 135 Book - Flipbook - Page 61
Then
and Now
Music
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72
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Belfast Piano Players are a
community group that meet
once a month in Belfast
Central Library to play piano
in an inclusive and welcoming
group. Here, Mark Hamilton
from the group plays ‘Deux
Arabesques’ by Debussy,
composed in 1888, the same
year the library opened.
The Hero Musician
Stephen Parker was killed on 21 July 1972, the day that
would become known as Bloody Friday. He died trying to
save others after spotting a car bomb near his home on the
Cavehill Road and was posthumously awarded The Queen’s
Commendation for Brave Conduct.
Stephen was a talented French horn player and member of
the Belfast Youth Orchestra. Following his death, a prize fund
was set up and awarded every year to the musician who
‘tried very hard’ because that’s what Stephen always did.
The Stephen Parker Memorial Trophy is held for safe keeping
in the Music Library.
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