San Ramon 10-year-old prepares for performance at Carnegie Hall

Katie Marzullo Image
ByKatie Marzullo KGO logo
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
San Ramon 10-year-old prepares for performance at Carnegie Hall
Connor Roham is on his way to play at Carnegie Hall, it will be his fifth performance there, but the 10-year-old's first time on the main stage.

SAN RAMON, Calif. (KGO) -- A 10-year-old boy from the East Bay is preparing to embark on a musical journey of epic proportions, performing at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Connor Roham is on his way to play at Carnegie Hall, it will be his fifth performance there, but his first time on the main stage.

"I want somebody if they blindfolded them, they would not say he's good for his age. Someone would say he's Arthur Rubinstein. He's Vladimir Horowitz," Connor said.

He is a portrait of confidence. Not the least bit nervous.

"The big stage and the fun you have playing on it," Connor said.

His mom, a scientist, and dad, an engineer, are nervous, but also proud and excited. They've been nurturing his gift from the beginning.

"He was 1-year-old when I noticed he was listening very carefully to my piece and waiting until I finished and he would clap for me," said Connor's mom Faranak Nekoogar.

"When he was 4, 3 or 4-years-old, he could play any music he would hear," said Connor's dad Sassan Roham.

At age five, he composed his first piece. Connor can hardly explain his love for music.

"It's like some kind of passion when it comes into you," Connor said.

But ask him what he wants to be when he grows up and the answer comes easily, a pediatric surgical oncologist.

"I want to be the one that cures cancer," Connor said.

Until then, the prodigy will continue to amaze on the piano and make time for his other hobby, cars.