POWERFUL FILM EXPLORES THE THEME OF HIDDEN DISABILITIES TO RAISE MONEY FOR MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS CHARITIES
Rose Leslie, leading actress from Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey, stars in a powerful music video for British pianist and composer Fabio D’Andrea, who has created the first ever piano-video album.
“Hope Reborn” is the latest release from the award-winning composer and neo-classical pianist’s “24” album – the first ever classical visual album – which consists of 24 original piano pieces (one in every key), each accompanied by a music video starring a Hollywood actor and directed by Fabio himself.
In “24”, Fabio explores issues around hidden personal struggles and in his seventh release, he explores the condition Multiple Sclerosis (MS). As a supporter of the charity Overcoming MS, Fabio wanted to show that MS can be both invisible but also very visible at times and increasingly so, as the condition progresses. He has sought to portray this juxtaposition on camera and in his composition.
The single, which is available to purchase from iTunes & Amazon, will raise money for charities Overcoming MS and the MS Society in the UK. This is the first time that the two charities have collaborated for the benefit of the broader MS community, and this partnership will help to spread increased optimism to those who live with MS, or are in some way affected by it.
Rose Leslie says: “I have been a passionate supporter of the MS Society for a few years now, so when they approached me to take part in this music video, I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis and to highlight the invisible symptoms that people who are living with MS will often experience I hope that it will also provide a positive message to anyone who does have this condition – that it’s still possible to live a full life. I hope that this music video will help to raise vital funds for the MS Society and Overcoming MS as well as increasing understanding of the condition.”
Fabio’s previous music videos from the “24” album include “Something Left To Love”, starring Russell Tovey, star of American Horror Story, which portrays the isolation and trauma of mental health, in particular the insecurities that artists and performers experience.
“Love Should Not Hurt”, the fourth video in “24” stars Spice Girl Mel B, and tackles the subject of domestic abuse, an issue which increased globally during the pandemic lockdowns.
An award-winning film director in addition to acclaimed musician, Fabio directed these visually stunning and surprising technical works which shed new light on causes close to Fabio!s heart.
It is unusual to have an artist support a number of different causes and when asked why he has chosen to do this Fabio says: “Many of the famous composers in the past were able to address social issues of their time through their operas and ballets. Music videos are the modern equivalent creative medium that let me address issues on a broad scale.”
For Fabio, both the musical integrity and the opportunity to address issues that affect society through his music videos drives his unique vision for this album.
Fabio says: “Being able to use music without lyrics, and acting without a script, I have found a way to speak. What makes me so unusual as an artist is that my voice can be heard without me having to say a single word. My music and visuals do all the talking.”
Fabio’s bold and thrilling vision has drawn support from around the globe, attracting a raft of famous actors, dancers and choreographers to produce his award-winning videos. Other actors who have filmed for Fabio’s music videos include Natalie Dormer, Emma Rigby, Douglas Booth & Ellie Bamber.
The unprecedented album connects various art forms, and is part of Fabio’s visionary long-term goal of establishing a label to support other forward-thinking artists whose creative output stretches beyond the confines of the current music-industry model. Set to an emotive soundtrack of Fabio’s cascading piano music, the video combines the three art forms – film, contemporary piano music and dance – to pack an even more effective punch.
Dowshan Humzah, Chair for Overcoming MS, said:
“Hope Reborn” has been an incredible experience and helps to share the Overcoming MS magic, as we remain passionately committed to providing renewed optimism for those living with MS. The video highlights the realities of living with MS and challenges some of the misconceptions around it, something our community and volunteers were thrilled to see being communicated so brilliantly.
It has been a pleasure to work in collaboration with our friends at the MS Society, Rose Leslie and Fabio D’Andrea who continues to champion causes and charities so well. “Hope Reborn” also highlights how organisations can work together and creatively for the betterment of communities they serve, in our case, those affected by MS.”
Nick Moberly, CEO of the MS Society said:
“MS is an unpredictable condition and it!s different for everyone who lives with it. That!s why we!re so grateful to Fabio D!Andrea for making “Hope Reborn”, and to our supporter Rose Leslie for giving her
time to play the lead role. We know it will do an amazing job to raise awareness of the realities of what it!s like to live with MS.
“It was vital for us that people with MS were involved throughout. They shared their stories about their diagnosis and symptoms with Fabio and that fed into the development. We!re also thrilled so many of our supporters with the condition feature in the music video!”
