‘A Musical Odyssey’

Cairns' favourite duo embarks on a tour to Greece


Katerini Manolatos and guitarist Paul Chantrill will be touring the Ionian islands of Greece in August 2015, performing ‘A Musical Odyssey’. The musical duo is planning two concerts on the island of Ithaki – Katerini’s father’s birthplace.

As an Australian of Greek heritage, Katerini Manolatos’ close connection to Greece has been realised with numerous visits, one of which included her own wedding celebration. It’s only natural then that her love for Greece will culminate in the release of ‘A Musical Odyssey: Songs from Greece’ – some 10 years after the launch of her first CD, ‘Anamniseis’.

In the lead up to this year’s launch, Katerini says she feels much older and wiser and in charge of a more mature voice that has grown to reflect her own life story.

“My life so far has made for an interesting journey. I have met some amazing people along the way, not the least of whom is guitarist, Paul Chantrill,” Katerini tells.

“Our joint passion for world music has resulted in an exciting collaboration of creativity and art. We trust that you too, can embark on your own Musical Odyssey.”

Paul Chantrill grew up playing music and it has always been central to his life. In adulthood he has embraced the opportunities of working and living abroad and encountering different people and cultures.

“Music has always been my way of experiencing and seeing the diverse world around us,” Paul muses.

After meeting Katerini, Paul says he began a new chapter in his own personal, musical journey that tapped into the rich vein of Greek music and culture.
Paul says that they’ve noted links between the music of Theodorakis and the music of Spain, which in turn has the guitar squarely as the centre of its musical tradition. It has also provided an insight into interpreting and presenting Greek music through the guitar.

“Its personal, rich intone is very intimate and direct and really fits the challenge of representing Greek music in an exciting way,” he explains.

Their first live performance in Greece will be on Sunday 2 August in the hilltop village of Platithia where they will have an open-air concert under the setting sun. The second concert will take place on Monday 3 August in the capital of Ithaki-Vathi, which is home to Katerini’s family.

“Both Paul and I are excited to be bring to fruition a joint passion in world music starting with my Greek heritage,” Katerini adds.

“In summer the islands are at full capacity, attracting people to the stunning beaches and the idyllic untouched island lifestyle. Ithaki attracts visitors from all over the world, which has included such celebrities as Madonna, Tom Hanks and Sarah Jessica Parker.”

According to Katerini, the small island of Ithaki is known for its art and creativity. It is also the home of Ulysses, the hero of Homer’s Iliad and hence, the inspiration to name their concert series, ‘A Musical Odyssey’.

Katerini and Paul will then participate in Ithaki’s numerous festivals before catching the local ferry to the neighbouring island of Kefalonia where they will complete their tour in the capital Argostoli. Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands with over 35000 residents and became famous from the movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

As they count down the days to their international tour, Katerini and Paul will pause to celebrate the launch of their CD, ‘A Musical Odyssey: songs from Greece’ in their hometown of Cairns.

The concert and CD launch event will be held on Saturday 4 July 2015 from 7.30 pm at the Cairns Presbyterian Church, 87 Sheridan Street, Cairns. Tickets are $22 (adults) and $17 (concession) inclusive of entertainment and supper during the interval. Tickets available from Ticketlink on 1300 855 835 or visit: www.ticketlink.com.au

The CD is a collaboration of music by Mikis Theodorakis and Manos Hadjidakis. Both Hadjidakis and Theodorakis were prime movers in the art song movement in Greece from the late 50s, using elements of Greek folk music and drawing on words of famous Greek poets. Theodorakis turns 90 this year, and there have been celebrations in Greek communities around the world in respect for a man that has shaped the music of Greece alongside Hadjidakis. He is famous for Zorba the Greek, the soundtrack to the Al Pacino soundtrack Serpico, many other film soundtracks, art songs, orchestral works.

Hadjidakis is known for such pieces as ‘Paper Moon’, ‘Never on a Sunday’, music for the Hollywood film America America, and for his writings for Nana Mouskouri.