Cherie Booth, QC, Wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Honours Music for Autism at 10 Downing Street
Robert Accordino, Christine Cairns, John Lubbock, Alasdair Reay, Fiona Reay, and Lisa Splitlog, posted February 4, 2007.
Cherie Booth, QC, wife of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, honoured Music for Autism for its service to individuals with autism and their families at a champagne reception held at 10 Downing Street on January 30, 2007. The 40 guests at the reception, who have all been intimately involved with Music for Autism in the United Kingdom, included the charity’s founders, board members, generous donors, and friends. Ms. Booth has made a tradition of these receptions at Downing Street to honour the work of charitable organizations such as Music for Autism.
“We are delighted that Ms. Booth has taken such an interest in our charity and has honoured us in this way,” said Music for Autism founder John Lubbock.
Ms. Booth and guests of Music for Autism were treated to musical selections performed by Derek Paravicini, an extraordinarily talented pianist who is blind with severe learning difficulties. Paravicini took requests from the audience, and was accompanied by his family and long-time teacher, Dr. Adam Ockelford, Director of Rushton School and Children’s Home at the Royal National Institute of the Blind. The audience was very impressed by Paravicini’s exceptional talent. No stranger to the stage and performance, Paravicini, 27, has been widely covered in the media, including features by the BBC and Channel 5 in the United Kingdom and CBS’s “60 Minutes” and the Discovery Channel in the United States. Prior to the reception, Ms. Booth enjoyed a private concert with Paravicini and Christine Cairns, a mezzo soprano and Music for Autism founder.
After individually greeting all of her guests, Ms. Booth described her special connection to Music for Autism. “The work of this charity touches upon two of my great passions: music and supporting individuals with autism,” she said. She empathetically and emotionally said, “I have witnessed first hand the challenges and pleasures of raising a child with autism. I applaud the work of this charity for not only focusing on young children with autism, but also aiming to improve the lives of young adults with autism through its work at Thomley Hall.” (Music for Autism has generously donated to create a music room at Thomley Hall, which is a college for individuals with autism and is located near Thame.)
Ms. Booth spoke of her love of music, noting that her children often complain of loud singing in church. She also told a story about a visit to China with Prime Minister Blair when he was asked if he was a Beatles fan. When he replied that he was indeed a fan, he was asked to sing a song by the group. Upon declining, he stated that his wife would love to perform, and she sang a solo of “When I’m 64.”
She explained why she greatly values the goals of Music for Autism. “I applaud you for enabling children with autism the ability to experience quality music — something that we should all be able to experience — and for giving them the opportunity to listen to music in an environment where no one will be embarrassed.”
She noted that “the point of this reception is to say ‘thank you’ and to encourage you to continue doing what you have been doing even more.”
Ms. Booth concluded by encapsulating the essence of Music for Autism, which tries to emphasize the positive aspects and strengths of these special individuals on the autism spectrum. “We should celebrate these young people for what they can do as opposed to what they cannot,” she said. “Such a notion is near to my heart.”
As her speech came to a close, Paravicini led Ms. Booth into an encore performance of “When I’m 64,” accompanied by the entire audience.
“During this joyful evening, I was moved, greatly humbled, and tremendously inspired,” said Robert Accordino, Music for Autism co-founder, “It is a night I will not soon forget.”
Following the concert and reception with Ms. Booth, guests were given a tour of 10 Downing Street including the State Rooms, State Dining Rooms and the Cabinet Room.
Christine Cairns, Music for Autism founder, summed up what all of the reception guests felt at the conclusion of the evening, “Ms. Booth’s unscripted speech was straight from the heart. She was so sincere, and we are all so grateful for her honouring our charity.”
