Russian teen born without hands becomes piano prodigy

A Russian teenager has become an internet sensation, by showing off his incredible piano playing skills despite having no hands. 

Alexey Romanov, from Zelenodolsk, a village in the Republic of Tatarstan, only took up music two years ago, and is already being dubbed a prodigy, The Guardian reports. 

The 16-year-old was born with a debilitating illness which prevented him from growing hands. 

He learnt to play after being inspired by the works of Mozart and Vivaldi, and his teacher helped him get started, beginning with melodies from popular teen vampire film, Twilight. 

In February, Mr Romanov performed with the respected La Primavera orchestra, which led to an invitation to join a music school in Tatarstan’s capital Kazan. 

The video of that performance, posted on You Tube, has attracted thousands of views.