As a 12-year-old, Katerini Manolatos’ talent was evident. Without missing a beat, her music appreciating parents put her into singing lessons. At that age Katerini showed a strong connection to music, playing piano and the euphonium tuba – a large instrument for the young, delicate girl.
But singing was what Katerini pursued and it’s her singing that has connected her again to her Greek heritage. Katerini was always surrounded by Greek music through her family and involvement with the community itself, through endless visits to the Hellenic republic.
To say she was immersed in Greek culture and the arts is an understatement. Now she is taking all her knowledge and love for a genre and for her heritage and sharing it with the masses through her production A Musical Odyssey – an evening of Grecian delights.
“Greek music is in my bones,” Katerini tells Neos Kosmos as she begins to discuss the inception of A Musical Odyssey.
She adds that she wants to expose the youth to the vibrancy that she hears in the music but at the same time educate them on the music and life of iconic artists like Theodorakis, Hadjidakis and Xarchakos.
The night is a musical sensation as the singer is joined on stage with bouzouki player Costa Vasili, classical guitarist Paul Chantrill and pianist Anita Zielonka. MC for the night Bico Athanasas, who will take you on a journey of the artists, their songs, poetry and lyrics of the music, but also give you a chance to explore the inner workings of these composers’ and show the beauty in both the music as well as the words.
Katerini first performed this piece a year and a half ago in Cairns and was astounded by the turn out. A sell-out event, she said all the attendees felt as though they were “back in Greece”. As an artist, Katerini does so much through her knowledge, education and skills. She’s performed in musical theatre, she teaches music, has performed numerous times including folk festivals and a concert in Greece promoting the 2004 Athens Olympics, but it’s her work as a music therapist that she finds fulfilling and promotes her generous and empathetic nature.
After she finished her bachelor’s degree in Classical Voice and Opera, Katerini went on to do a masters in music therapy. “I’ve always had the feeling that I wanted music to help people,” she explains. At the moment, Katerini works mainly with young patients with acquired brain injuries, helping to give them the power and skills to get well through music.
“We can use music to help with communication and the fulfilment of life’s journey as well as giving them power and control over different things through music. It is really quite amazing.”
A Musical Odyssey – An Evening of Grecian Delights will be held at The Greek Club in Brisbane on Sunday 21 October at 7:00 pm. For tickets and further information email music@humbird.com.au