Where they fall we Rise | Chris Perkins & Stephen Donoghue | TEDxDoncaster
In one of the most moving moments of the day, Chris Perkins steps onto the TEDx Doncaster stage not to deliver a traditional talk but to share a lifeline. With cellist Stephen Donoghue beside him, Chris performs a song that carried him through one of the darkest chapters of his life.This isn’t just music, it’s a story of survival, healing, and the power of art to hold us when words can’t. The performance embodies the very heart of Human Flourishing: the way creativity can reconnect us to ourselves, give language to pain, and spark collective hope.As the final notes hang in the air, the audience is reminded that flourishing isn’t about perfection or control; it’s about finding light in the spaces where we once thought there was none. Chris Perkins is a dynamic performer and creative artist rooted in Doncaster’s vibrant cultural scene. His work blends storytelling, music, and performance to inspire connection and spark reflection. Passionate about bringing people together through creativity, Chris has built a reputation for pushing boundaries and using art to celebrate local voices with a global resonance. At TEDx Doncaster 2025, he brings his unique energy to the stage, showcasing how performance can be a catalyst for human flourishing and community spirit.Chris Perkins is the founder and Managing Director of Creative Push CIC (formerly Print Imperials), a Doncaster-based arts organisation dedicated to making creative expression accessible to everyone. Under his leadership, Creative Push has delivered print and screen-print workshops, immersive arts programmes, and community arts events across South Yorkshire, with a strong focus on mental health, youth engagement, and social impact.Stephen Donoghue is a versatile musician based in South Yorkshire, renowned for weaving emotionality and narrative into his performances. Skilled on cello, saxophone, and clarinet, he brings a rich textural voice to live settings, offering solo sets that range from classical to modern covers and atmospheric ballads.In addition to performing, Stephen teaches cello, saxophone, and clarinet, both locally in Doncaster and online, nurturing new talent and helping others find their musical voice.His repertoire spans ceremonial events, concerts, and intimate gigs, giving him the versatility to adapt his sound to the moment and setting.At TEDx Doncaster 2025, Stephen joins Chris Perkins on Sunday, 5th October, bringing his melodic, instrumentally rich presence to the stage. Together, they will fuse storytelling, sound, and performance to reflect themes of connection, growth, and human flourishing. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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