Aunty Ruth recently celebrated her 108th birthday by tickling the ivory keys in a beautiful moment for all listening in, without a lick of sheet music.
uMngeni, South Africa (18 May 2025) — Ruth Hall recently reached an incredible milestone when she blew out the candles on her 108th birthday. As part of her birthday celebrations last month, Ruth (known warmly as Aunty Ruth) tickled the old ivory keys, treating all her visitors (including uMngeni Local Municipality Mayor Chris Pappas) to her gift of song.
Seated at the C. Bechstein piano, Ruth began to play a piece that fans of the Sound of Music will recognise in an instant: Edelweiss.
With a controlled flow, timing in tow and not a lick of sheet music in front of her, Aunty Ruth certainly showed everyone present (and the thousands who saw the clip on the internet) that she’s still got it.
Watch: Ruth Plays the Piano By Memory at 108-Years-Old
They often say that one never forgets how to ride a bike, but as many seasoned musicians will know, the same can’t be said of playing instruments like the piano. Perhaps it is not that we simply recall certain skills, but rather that we don’t easily forget those skills that brought us so much joy.
Meanwhile, in other news where musical moments gave us goosebumps, a surprise opera unfolded at the V&A Waterfront recently after the ever-elegant violinist, many mall-goers will know, was joined by the voice of an angel disguised as a shopper!
Must Watch: A Surprise Opera at the Waterfront Thanks to Talented Duo
by 