Today on Buzz with Danu, I think I’m hitting all the right notes—literally. He’s just 18, but already making waves on the grandest stages with fingers that dance across the piano and a mind sharp enough to take on medicine, rugby, and romantic concertos in one breath.

Last week I saw him perform with the Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka, and I was lost for words, a true talent,  he’s proof that talent, humility can coexist beautifully.

Please welcome the piano prodigy, future neurosurgeon, and possibly the busiest Gen Z I’ve ever met—Dhiren Fernando!

1. Let’s talk about your bold choice—Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Why that piece?

“The piece spoke to me on a deep emotional level—especially during lockdown. I’d do nothing but listen to recordings of it on repeat—Sokolov and Sultanov. So it only made sense to play a piece I already knew like the back of my hand.”

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2. What was going through your head right before you stepped on stage? Were you calm, or were the butterflies kicking in?

“The nerves really hit when I was waiting in the wings… and then again, right as I started. That was kinda terrifying. But once I got into it, I settled in and started enjoying myself. That’s what I always remind myself—‘I’m only up here for so long, so I better enjoy it.’”

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3. Performing with an orchestra isn’t child’s play. What was the adjustment like?

“Honestly, Rachmaninoff was easier than Tchaikovsky. I’d already rehearsed the Rachmaninoff with Ms. Shanthi Dias for my audition, so the transition felt smoother. Tchaikovsky, on the other hand—I auditioned without an accompanist, so syncing with the orchestra took time.”

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4. What was your ‘I’m flying’ moment on stage—when you knew you nailed it?

“Definitely the end of the first movement. I got through that long cadenza, and the triumphant coda just pushed me over the edge! That was pure joy—probably my favourite part of the whole concerto.”

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5. Any advice from your mentors that changed the game for you?

“One piece of gold from Aunty Dushy: exaggerate everything. In a space like the Wendt, dynamics can sound flat. So she taught me to make every change bigger, bolder, so even the last row feels it.”

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6. You got into Junior Guildhall with just a Grade 1 pass. How on earth did that happen?

“That credit goes to my mum. She took me to an evaluation session, and Ms. Shelagh Sutherland—my eventual teacher—told her I should audition. I played half a Bach prelude… and some Bollywood! They took me on potential, and gave me two years of one-on-one lessons before I formally joined.”

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7. What’s a lesson that’s stayed with you from your mentors?

“Aunty Dushy once told me—‘Let your musicality lead your technique.’ That’s been my anchor. Every time I perform, I want to touch the audience emotionally, not just show off skills.”

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8. When you sit at a piano, who are you—technician, translator, storyteller?

“A performer at heart. I can almost feel the audience while I’m playing. I see myself as translating the music from paper to sound—for them.”

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9. Let’s do a musical swipe left. Who’s your soulmate composer… and who would you ghost?

“Soulmate? Chopin—or Rachmaninoff. Their emotional intensity speaks to me. Ghost? Mozart. Too finicky and light—not really my style.”

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10. Dream concert. Any orchestra, any venue, any vibe. Go.

“Royal Albert Hall. The SOSL. Dushyanthi Perera. And a purple sunset. For me, it’s a labour of love. I’d pick the SOSL over the Vienna Philharmonic any day. But okay—maybe Zubin Mehta could guest conduct!”

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11. Music, medicine, rugby, cadets, philosophy. Do you have clones?

“I’m just used to being stupid busy! Efficiency is everything. If I stay organised, I can manage it without too much stress.”

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12. Be real—what’s harder? A 30-minute concerto or rugby tour training?

“Definitely rugby tour training. No doubt.”

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13. What keeps you grounded when life feels too loud?

“My girlfriend Aaliyah. She’s amazing—always calming me down. Just sitting with her before my concertos took all the nerves away.”

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14. What do people get wrong about musicians like you?

“That music needs to be your entire life. It’s a big part of mine, but I’ve got other dreams too. I’m off to study medicine. I’m proof you can multitask.”

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15. Ten years from now—what do you want the internet to say about Dhiren Fernando?

“That I’m a Neurosurgeon Pianist from Sri Lanka. Bold dream? Yes. But I’m working on it.”