Pianist inspired to shine

A Nelson man, once too afraid to speak to strangers, has won the hearts of music audiences in Australia, and the attention of pianist David Helfgott.

Zeb Wulff, who is studying classical music at Wellington's Massey University, returned from performing in Australia this week with a new zest for pursuing his goal of becoming a concert pianist.

Mr Wulff, 23, has Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism. It is a similar condition to that of Helfgott, whose life was portrayed in the film Shine.

The pair performed together at the Wataboshi Music Festival in Brisbane, an for disabled musicians in the Asia-Pacific region.