February 9, 2017
Internationally acclaimed guitarist Pavlo Simtikidis, right performs with his bouzouki-playing bandmate Dimitrios Bogris for patients and their families at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary.
Story & photo by Kristin Whitworth
CALGARY — Cancer patients and families at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC) here got a surprise treat when the internationally renowned guitarist Pavlo Simtikidis, known to fans as simply Pavlo, dropped by to entertain them.
The Toronto-born artist, the son of Greek immigrants, appeared last week as part of the Musical Conversations at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre program, which provides patients and families with musical enjoyment while they attend to appointments/treatment or undergo chemotherapy.
The twice-Juno-nominated guitarist, who believes in the power of music and wellness, is known for his signature Mediterranean sound which mixes the folkloric styles of Greek and Latin music with a pop sensibility.
“I think that music is the best communicator that you can have. I travel around the world and communicate with people through my music,” says Pavlo. “Music truly is a universal language; people can relate to it and it brings people together.”
Over the span of his 20-year career, the award-winning recording artist, performer and songwriter has released 10 albums of his own music, plus collaborative projects. Along the way he’s performed for royalty like Prince Charles and has worked and toured with artists such as José Feliciano, Jon Secada, Olivia Newton-John and The Tenors.
When Pavlo was approached to lend his talents and play guitar at the TBCC, he says he didn’t hesitate.
“I said (yes) immediately; I think any opportunity to play for someone, no matter what position they are in, is a good thing.”
His performance for patients and families brought joy to the entire room.
“I loved watching the smiles on everyone’s faces, genuine smiles of enjoyment and that meant a lot to me to be here and be able to do that,” adds Pavlo.
Pavlo was accompanied by his bandmate, Dimitrios Bogris, who plays bouzouki, a string instrument from the same family as the mandolin and the lute.
Erin Thrall, the Education/Outreach Director for the Instrumental Society of Calgary (ISC), helped bring Pavlo and his musical talents to the TBCC because of a previous encounter.
“Through an event we held regarding music and health, we had the good fortune of meeting Krista Marsden and the Healing Arts team at the Tom Baker,” says Thrall.
“We have entered into a partnership with the Tom Baker 'Musical Conversations' team to bring classical musicians into the hospital setting. This is our third visit.”
For cancer patient Bob Hitch and his wife Maggie, they’re hoping the third visit won’t be the last.
“It was so nice to listen to the beautiful music,” said Hitch as he waited for his chemotherapy appointment. “It sure made the waiting go by in a fast and enjoyable way”
Krista Marsden, Provincial Coordinator, Healing Arts, CancerControl Alberta, says she found both Pavlo and Dimitri amazing.
“They were very talented musically, but also very heartfelt and sweet,” says Marsden. “They connected well with patients, families and staff and took us all to warmer climates through the music.”
“They were sensitive to the care environment, ready to go with the flow and incredibly generous in fitting in time to stop at the Tom Baker after performing in Edmonton the night before, and before setting up for a performance that evening in Calgary,” she adds.
“Music is powerful and it is important that music performance be offered to patients and families with care and an understanding of how to optimize the experience while minimizing potential negative effects,” says Marsden.
The ISC celebrates chamber music and showcases some of Calgary's finest professional musicians in its monthly concert series. It is committed to exploring the potential of music in health care as it benefits both patients, caregivers, hospital staff AND the musician. The ISC is entering its 38th year as a musical organization. Its education/outreach mandate is to bring chamber music into the community.
CancerControl Alberta’s Healing Arts program is funded through the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
