INTERNATIONAL violinist James Grech hopes music will help to soothe body and soul in the face of his own battle with cancer.
The 28 year-old performer, originally from Malta, was diagnosed with lymphoblastic lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, five months ago.
‘I came to Australia after doctors in my country gave me a maximum 30 per cent survival possibility,’ he said.
‘I have been undergoing very high dosage chemotherapy at the Mater Hospital (in Brisbane).’
James said if it wasn’t for his music he would already be dead.
He said the three Brisbane concerts were to keep himself motivated, to give something back to the Mater and to try and pay some of the $70,000 bill for his treatment.
He has organised a series of three concerts in Brisbane, featuring several international performers who have never performed in the city before.
Eleonora Bekova is a pianist of the world famous Bekova Trio and Marius Stravinsky, the conductor, is a descendant of legendary composer Igor Stravinsky. The third international star, Marina Poplavskaya, is a soprano and winner of the Grand Prix of Maria Callas Competition.
The first concert will be performed in St Stephen’s Cathedral on July 23 at 8pm, the second on July 24 at 3pm at the Old Museum Concert Hall and the third will be at the same venue on July 30 at 8pm.
James will also perform at each concert.
‘I will be playing four violin concertos. I want to do this as a sign to all out there who are facing problems, that in moments of great weakness, we can find strength,’ he said.
Tickets for the performances can be bought online at www.celebrityconcert.com or through 4MBS FM on (07) 3847 1717.
