Violinist born with one hand hopes that when he plays the audience will hear ‘the sound of possibility’

A violinist born with 1 hand has become an inspiration by turning his challenges into melody.

Canadian violinist Adrian Anantawan awaited his solo during the Boston Landmarks Orchestra’s performance of Florence Price’s “Adoration.”

He yearned for the audience to recognize the message his violin carried: the sound of possibility

“A lot of times, we let fear get in the way of trying anything,” Adrian, 41, told “Good Morning America,” sharing that his journey has involved taking risks, accepting failure, and observing the results.

For him, this approach has led to the creation of beautiful, expressive music.

However, music has not always been designed with performers like Adrian in mind. He is born without his right hand and most of his forearm, so he has just five fingers.

Moreover, his disability created a challenge when his fifth-grade music teacher required all students to learn the recorder.

Adrian and his parents decided to find a different instrument to support his musical talent. Although the trumpet was a practical option, he didn’t like its sound.

They then chose the violin, which 10-year-old Adrian described as “the most beautiful instrument,” and had a Toronto-area hospital create an adaptive cast to help him hold the bow.

Engineers helped Adrian create a spatula device, a plaster cast with a small extension, allowing him to hold the bow and use his shoulder to play.

He felt a strong connection to the instrument from the first note, which helped him express his imagination.

Adrian values the technology that aids access to music for people with disabilities but believes that the support and attitudes of teachers and encouragers are crucial for true inclusion.

At 34, Adrian is already a renowned violinist with performances at the White House for Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, and the Vancouver Winter Olympics, according to NBC News.

He has also worked with musical greats like Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman, and Anne-Sophie Mutter.

Adrian attributes his success to the strong foundation provided by his upbringing.

“I think that my parents certainly instilled in me the idea that challenges weren’t necessarily things to run away from, but just opportunities to grow,” he said, explaining that his upbringing instilled in him the value of hard work. He felt he had to work twice as hard to survive and handle daily tasks.

He founded the Music Inclusion Ensemble as an associate professor at Berklee College of Music. This group provides accommodations for students with disabilities.

He explained that the goal is to unite for a common cause, with the results reflecting their shared voices.

This effort highlights their collective advocacy for changing the perception of disability in society.

He has worked on the Virtual Music Instrument, which turns physical movements into sound. He plans to use this technology in his teaching.

He is encouraged by the growing use of technology in classrooms and dreams of creating opportunities for able-bodied and disabled musicians to perform together in an orchestra.

Adrian, the violinist born with 1 hand, hopes that those facing challenges see they have options for self-expression. He aims to use his platform to show what a person with a visible disability can achieve.

He said that it’s an honor to do it, and he believes that you never know who in the audience might be inspired to change their lives.

Adrian aims to inspire others without letting his disability define him. He wants to be seen as uniquely himself, just like everyone else.

He hopes to be recognized as a person first—a musician who is dedicated to becoming the best version of himself despite facing struggles like everyone else.

“That’s how I’d like to be perceived,” he said.

“Watch Adrian, the violinist born with 1 hand, turn his challenges into harmony below: