Music Beats Cancer,

About the event

My name is John Katsoulieri and i’m currently undergoing my second round of chemotherapy at The Christie in Manchester. Why is this important? Well, to be brief, when I was diagnosed my immediate response (after I’d picked myself up) was to ‘quit worrying and create music’. That was my reaction!

However, over time I realised that I could be of some use to others who are facing similar challenges, and my music project Music Beats Cancer was born, but very recently. I set myself a time-limited challenge of twelve weeks to both complete my compositions (icompleted), source performers (ccmpleted), learn how to conduct my music, find a venue (completed), put together a programme of music (completed), sell tickets and find a sponsor.

I have planned an event at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester for November 11th - An Evening of Minimalist & Experimental Music with Christopher Chaplin & Guests.

The event has two main aims; the first is to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Care and the second, if not more importantly, is to inspire others who are also facing similar challenges to create music, art & beauty. To not give in, and to keep going until it is no longer possible. 

I have teamed up with Christopher Chaplin (Swiss-born experimental composer & youngest son of Charlie & Oona O’Neill Chaplin) who will be performing at the event, and I have been able to source local musicians (a number are from the Royal Northern College of Music) who will all perform at this event, which incidentally will also serve to kick off the Christmas festive period in Manchester. There will be the music of Steve Reich & Philip Glass performed by RNCM and local musicians, and experimental music composed for and performed at the event. I hope that this is also a platform for aspiring musicians.

I met Christopher Chaplin through social media. Christopher released his latest album and I asked him if I could produce and direct and music video for one of the album tracks. He loved the film and has also accepted my invitation to perform live in November.

If I can inspire others who are in dark places to create art & peace in their lives, then I know i’m doing something right!

If you have any questions or would like me to meet with you, then please contact me at anytime.

Regards, 

John Katsoulieri

Why should you sponsor?

You will become a vital component in this inspirational project, and encourage others to make an impact at a hugely challenging time in their own lives. This of, course, on top of the publicity and Social Responsibilty benefits.

John Katsoulieri

I was brought up and educated in the UK before moving to the US in 1996. In 2001 he met Jane Goodall DBE Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Inspired by this chance meeting I travelled with my six-year old son to Kosovo to work with ethnic Serb and Albanian children on a peace project in Mitrovica - the 'Divided City'. In 2004, and just days after the Asian tsunami, I travelled to Khao Lak in the centre of the disaster zone in Thailand, and with a camera loaned to me by the BBC I documented my efforts that led me to write, direct and present the Royal Television Society nominated documentary 'After the Wave'. Subsequently spending most of 2005 travelling between Khao Lak and Manchester continuing to raise funds to directly assist those whose lives were affected by the disaster.

In 2006 I founded Human First, and with a team of friends and supporters established the UK's primary official and public observation of International Peace Day, and directed the documentary film 'The UN, Chitty & Me'.

I then established Willow Tale Films. My first feature 'And She Cried' was screened at the Odeon Cinemas. I recently wrote and co-directed the music film 'Aelia Lealia' for Christopher Chaplin and I'm currently seeking new film and music challenges.

Contact the Organizer Contact the Organizer