A STROUD harmonica player’s pupil surprised his colleagues at the European Parliament with an impromtu performance.

Slovenian MEP Lojze Peterle paid tribute to his colleagues’ unity through the turbulent Brexit negotiations before whipping out a harmonica and playing Ode to Joy - the anthem of the European Union.

Peterle learned to play the song by following a lesson at LearnTheHarmonca.com, a harmonica website created by Stroud musician Liam Ward.

“I never knew the significance of the song,” said Liam, 30, of Cainscross.

“I was contacted by Lojze Peterle’s office a few months ago asking if Peterle could use my lesson on his website and I was happy to oblige, but thought nothing more of it”.

A friend sent Liam a BBC News story, with details of Peterle’s impromptu performance. (See https://bbc.in/2GAK7wo).

“I couldn’t believe it,” says Liam, “it’s not often that the harmonica makes the news so it’s great to see”.

The MEP’s rendition drew applause from colleagues, and Liam said Peterle did well to hold his nerve in a very public arena.

“Just to have the confidence to play in front of other people is an achievement,” he added.

“His single notes were a bit rough, but I could get that ironed out with a few one-to-one sessions.”

Liam’s YouTube channel contains hundreds of free harmonica lessons and has had over six millions views to date.

Unsurprisingly this event is a first for Liam, although his lessons have connected him with people all over the world.

“I give Skype lessons to students as far-flung as the US, Indian and Australia,” Liam said.

Liam fronts his own blues band, the Liam Ward Band, who are playing at the Ale House in Stroud on Saturday, June 29.