Home shopping delivery driver Elly Bajarias’s eyes lit up when he saw the grand piano in the hallway of Francesca Green’s Leicestershire home on 12 May 2023. Noticing his reaction, Green asked Bajarias if he could play, then asked if he’d like to try out the piano while she unpacked her groceries from the baskets. At first, Bajarias was reluctant.
When he accepted that he wouldn’t be intruding, Bajarias came in and sat on the piano stool. Green says she was quite shocked when he started playing. She was particularly impressed by his passion, his emotion and the pleasure he took in playing. He played a Yann Tiersen piece from the Amelie soundtrack & Paul de Senneville’s Ballade pour Adeline.
Luckily Francesca Green started recording Elly Bajarias playing her grand piano and posted a video online. The video has gone viral. Sharron Wright captures the essence of the responses: “This is one of those moments. An unexpected display of talent leads to joy that enriches many souls.” Speaking to the Leicester Mercury, Philippines-born Bajarias has confessed to being amazed by, and proud of, people’s responses to his playing. He said that his mother taught him the basics when he was 5 or 6.
Bajarias’ parents could not afford proper lessons, so he taught himself to play. He says he listens to music and then works it out. Before Francesca Green invited him in, he had never played a grand piano and only has a keyboard at home. “It was really enjoyable. It was nice to feel the soft touch of ivory, as a keyboard is so different,” he said. Here is another feel-good video of a delivery person with a hidden musical talent. In this case Rodney the mailman surprises Andrew W.K. with his singing.
Rodney the mailman sure brought the Christmas cheer to silent night – and greatly impressed Andrew W.K.
Going back to Elly Bajarias, the 54-year-old played in a big band in Hong Kong before moving to the UK 20 years ago. Elly is married to Susan and has 3 children – Enriquita (22), Louis (18), and Talisha (17).
Siten Patel, online trading manager at Asda’s Leicester Fosse Park store, is quoted on the Asda website saying: “I didn’t know Elly could even play the piano until I saw the video. It was amazing – he is so talented. He is such a big-hearted person who always sees the good in people. Everyone loves him here.”