Nottingham tram driver and classical pianist Reuben Lee is taking part in a special fundraising concert at Beeston Methodist Church on Saturday 17 May.
Reuben, who lives in Lenton, smiles when friends joke that he’s leading a double life in following his twin passions.
While tram driving meets his need for a regular income, Reuben appreciates the difficulties of gaining regular bookings as a concert pianist in the ultra-competitive music industry.
Reuben, 26, has always loved trains. His first job in public transport was manning a train refreshment trolley. When services stopped running during the pandemic, he moved into the depot, cleaning carriages.
But he longed to be at the controls. So, he started making applications to Nottingham Express Transit (NET). Persistence paid off – he was invited to an assessment day and accepted as a trainee tram driver.
“It’s a dream come true and the best job I’ve ever done,” says Reuben.
As a child he shared his mum’s love of Classic FM. “We got a piano when I was five and a half and I started bashing the keys. My parents arranged playing lessons and I’ve never stopped since.”
Although Reuben drives trams 40 hours a week, he still manages to practice on the piano most days.
He’s currently enjoying his second season as one of the pre-concert pianists at Nottingham’s Royal’s Centre and will soon take part in an instrumental competition at the Derby Arts Festival, which attracts pianists from all over the Midlands.
He’s looking forward to returning to Beeston Methodist Church (BMC), having performed there with the Just 4 musical group in October, 2022. The latest event, taking place in the church hall at 7.30pm, will raise funds for Mission Possible 2 in support of BMC’s £2m redevelopment project. Work on the refurbishment started in February.
Glenda Taylor, a member of the BMC Fundraising Group, said: “Reuben will be playing several pieces at the Preludes and Poetry concert as well as performing
duets will classical singer Serena Lindsay. There will also be poetry readings..”
Admission to the concert is free but donations to Mission Possible 2 will be welcomed.