Pianist Paul Cardall shares songs, inspiring stories at Robinson Grand Saturday

by Charles Young STAFF WRITER  |. Dec 8, 2018

CLARKSBURG — Pianist Paul Cardall delighted audience members at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center Saturday evening with a concert benefiting local wellness organization Healthy Harrison. 

Cardall, who was born with a rare heart deformity and had to undergo a heart transplant, shared not only his music, but also his inspiring personal story of overcoming adversity. 

“The purpose of my music is to help enrich people’s lives,” he said. “It’s a resource to help people access emotions that aren’t always easy to access that allow us to re-evaluate our lives, where we are and think about things that really matter. There’s a God message in it, but everyone has different beliefs.”

Cardall compared his music to Step Three of Alcoholics Anonymous, which asks drinkers to “turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understand Him.” 

“You want to use music as a tool to let go, so you can let that higher power enrich you and give you whatever you’re in need of,” he said. “It’s not a New Age thing. It’s very down to earth.” 

Cardall said he was excited to be in Clarksburg, and he commented on the beauty of the recently renovated Performing Arts Center. 

“This is an absolutely gorgeous theater,” he said. “I think it’s really extraordinary that the people have come together to renovate this place. I’m excited to be a part of this.” 

Cardall also marveled at the theater’s Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand Piano. 

“This is one the nicest Steinways that I’ve been able to play,” he said. 

John Paul Nardelli, executive director of Healthy Harrison, said Saturday’s benefit concert was a major milestone for the organization.

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