Talented Pianist Plays Classical Music For Rescue Elephant in Thailand

Music is a universal language, it is translated in basically the same way no matter where you go around the world. Apparently, this even rings true for other animals. In a very special performance from Paul Barton, an artist and concert pianist plays the piano to rescued elephants in Thailand.

It turns out he has been doing this since 2011, where he will perform a variety of classical compositions to the elephants, who seemingly stand there, spellbound, and closely listen along.

Mongkol is an elderly bull elephant from Thailand who was rescued from a tiresome life of hauling around trees. Now he is safe, in a sanctuary and seems to be a big fan of Barton’s music! As Barton explains: “Occasionally, Mongkol when strolling along the river would stop by the piano. If we noticed him waiting I would go over and play him a few slow classical pieces.”

Mongkol isn’t the only one, Barton has played for many elephants over the years and it seems to help form a deep connection between them. Barton talks about this – “If you play classical music to an elephant. . . the reaction is priceless. There is a special bond between you and the elephant. You are communicating with them in a different language. That language is neither our nor theirs. There is something infinitesimally wonderful in a piece of Beethoven that connects me to that elephant and that feeling is otherworldly.”

See some of our favourite performances from Barton and his elephant friend Mongkol below: