TURPIN: Hidden talents of the ‘house of horrors’ kids

THE 13 siblings rescued from a lifetime of alleged abuse and cruelty at the hands of the parents have been treated to a private show by one of the world's most celebrated musicians.

Famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma made a detour to California's Corona Regional Medical Center, where the seven adult children of David and Louise Turpin are recovering, ahead of a scheduled arts workshop on Friday, authorities said.

Corona Mayor Karen Spiegel and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts spokeswoman Michelle Pendoley confirmed the private performance to local news outlet Press-Enterprise.

Ms Pendoley confirmed all 13 siblings, aged from two to 29, were present for the show, which took place at the hospital's assisted living facilities.

The youngest children, who range in age from two to 17, have been split between two foster homes. Their older brothers and sisters suffer from developmental problems and are unable to care for themselves.

Cellist Yo-yo Ma treated the 13 abused Turpin children to a private concert on March 1. Picture: Supplied

As part of their rehabilitation, the children have been receiving lessons in music and art, their court-appointed lawyer Jack Osborn said.

And despite having spent most of their lives trapped inside their home and cut off from education and entertainment, they were proving to be extremely creative.

David and Louise Turpin with 12 of their 13 children at one of their many wedding vow renewal ceremonies. Picture: Supplied

"They love to draw, they love to create things, they're very musical, both listening to it and learning music to play," Mr Osborn told The Mercury News.

"And they do a lot of crafts. It's been really wonderful for them."

Fender Guitars, which has a factory in Corona, has donated 13 instruments to help the siblings in their belated musical education.

David and Louise Turpin with their two-year-old, the only one of the 13 children who wasn’t starved, shackled and beaten, according to authorities. Picture: Supplied

Lawyers David Macher, left, and Allison Lowe, appear with their clients David, second left, and Louise Turpin, in court on February 23. Picture: Watchara Phomicinda/The Press-Enterprise via AP

David, 57, and Louise, 49, have pleaded not guilty to more than 80 charges relating to child abuse, cruelty and false imprisonment. Picture: Terry Pierson/The Press- Enterprise

Many locals have taken to calling the siblings the "Magnificent 13" during recent fundraising efforts that have netted hundreds of thousands of dollars.

They've also donated clothes, toys and computers to help the kids reintegrate into society.

"They're happy, they are wanting to move forward, they do not want to dwell on the past and they want their identity to be now and going forward the things they hope to do, the dreams they have," Mr Osborn said.

"They do not want people to think of them only as a possible victim, but as young adults setting off on their lives. They realise they can set a path for themselves. That's something exciting for them."

The Turpins with the youngest of their 13 children. Picture: Supplied

Corona Regional Medical Center has converted existing space indoors and outside into areas where the siblings can play sports or simply sit in the sun, he said.

David Allen Turpin, 57, and Louise Ann Turpin, 49, have been charged with 82 felony counts, including torture, false imprisonment, cruelty to a dependant adult and wilful child cruelty.

They have pleaded not guilty to all charges and remain jailed in lieu of $US12 million bail each.

They were arrested on January 14 after their 17-year-old daughter called police after staging a daring escape by climbing out of a bedroom window of the family's home in Perris, California.

Police and welfare officers found the siblings starving and shackled in filthy conditions after having endured a lifetime of unimaginable cruelty and abuse.

House of horrors: The Turpins’ Perris, California home where 13 children were held captive in filthy conditions with some shackled to beds with chains and padlocks. Picture: AFP

The Turpins reportedly hoped to one day have their own reality show and were obsessed with Disneyland. Picture: Supplied

Detectives investigating the horrific crimes say the children were denied food, basic hygiene and medical care and were beaten for perceived infractions such as washing their hands above the wrist.

They were allowed to shower only once or twice a year and were chained for weeks or even months at a time and forced to sleep in their own urine and excrement.

Most of them lacked proper education to the point they had never heard of police, medication or basic amenities such as toothbrushes.

Care of the seven adult Turpins is currently being overseen by the Riverside Public Guardian and a court will decide whether to make the conservatorship permanent at a hearing on May 31.

A conservator has the authority to make decisions for people and manage their affairs.

Mr Osborn said his job was to ensure his clients know their options for independent living and understand their legal rights, and to ensure that their wishes are made known to the court.

Their parents are next due to front Riverside's Superior Court on March 25 for a status hearing.