Rhys Wynne-Jones, also known as the “Mystery Nighthchurch Pianist”, was born 23rd April 1992 at Pembury Hospital near Tunbridge Wells in Kent, UK.
Rhys spent his childhood in West Kingsdown and Dartford, located in the South East of England. Academically, he excelled, despite extreme difficulties with bullying from other students and social aspects in and out of school.
To cope with these struggles, Rhys turned to music and started playing the piano, the latter he considers “his only true friend” growing up. He spent the majority of break and lunch times practicing, keeping away from the playground for his own safety and well being. Out of school, he pursued hobbies with adult organisations including Morris Dancing and medieval re-enactment.
Rhys officially started lessons in 2003 under the tuition of Una Warnes from the Victoria College of Music. Within 4 years, he completed many grades and won medals at Beckenham and Bromley Festivals of Music, but sadly never got to finish all his ABRSM Grade piano examinations after moving to Cornwall with his parents in June 2008. One of Rhys’ dreams is to finish Grade 8.
Rhys’ family split not long after the move to Cornwall and the family home was lost in court proceedings. Since then, Rhys has spent his whole adult life trying to find out where he belongs in society and who he belongs with…. whilst trying to understand himself at the same time.
Rhys looks on his life as “quite an adventure” and he likes to share funny anecdotes on his experiences despite the adversity.
From writing questions for BBC game shows, to military service, to formulating an award winning speciality act for holiday parks as an entertainer, Rhys has achieved many things on an attempt to find stability, friendship and a place he can call home however, many changes of circumstance, loss, severe trauma, bad luck and personal misunderstandings during the pandemic deteriorated Rhys’ mental health significantly and he ended up sleeping rough on the streets.
In January 2024, Rhys’ life changed forever.
He reluctantly wandered into Nightchurch Penzance (a volunteer community based at St. Mary’s Church in Penzance, Cornwall to help the homeless and vulnerable) after encouragement from fellow rough sleepers.
As he did in his school days, Rhys asked to play the piano to cope with his struggles. Everyone was emotionally overwhelmed and amazed by his ability and skill. On the same night, he was recorded playing Bohemian Rhapsody and the video went viral, gaining thousands of views overnight.
In reaction to his viral popularity, the idea of a concert started to be presented on social media. Rhys had reservations about performing in public again after all that happened to him, let alone revealing his identity publicly to the press. As time went on, he eventually gathered the courage to take this step….. on the condition that he can help others, not himself.
After seeing and witnessing horrors on the streets, he now feels compelled to use his talents in the best way possible.
With the aim of making the world a better place, many opportunities have opened up for Rhys, including a show at Truro Cathedral during November 2024 (where he received a message from Queen’s Roger Taylor!), a record deal with Cornish Underground and a continuation of fundraising concerts around the UK, gaining standing ovations left right and centre.
Rhys appreciates every audience and is grateful for every single person that has been a part of his journey so far, including you!
Follow Rhys on his journey via the News tab or his socials on Facebook (Rhys: The Nightchurch Pianist), Instagram (@thenightchurchpianist) and TikTok (@thenightchurchpianist)!!