Aliki: Behind-The-Scenes
At Banc De Binary, we’re very excited to be sponsoring Aliki Chrysochou to run the Virgin Money London Marathon, and to help raise money and awareness for Encephalitis.
Preparing to run a 42K Marathon is no simple task, and after talking to Aliki we felt it was important to share her journey. Not only is Aliki’s battle with encephalitis inspiring, but so is her dedication to spreading awareness about this condition. That’s why we have created a four part documentary series which shares Aliki’s personal story and goals, and gives you a real insight into what goes into preparing for a marathon.
Filming the series was like running a mini-marathon. All of the filming took place in Cyprus, and we found ourselves all over the Island!
Lady Mile Beach, Cyprus
Aliki was very warm and bubbly. She spoke of her experience with encephalitis, and why running the marathon is so important to her.
“I decided to run the marathon over a cup of tea while I was sitting on the couch!”
When it comes to training for the Marathon, Aliki has total dedication. As a professional singer she is no stranger to vigorous training, and says that when she commits to something it is “all or nothing.”
“The hardest part about the marathon is the expectation I have from everyone around me.”
In our second video, Aliki discusses the importance of strength. Aliki has found strength in her battle with encephalitis, and shares with us how that strength has helped her become the person she is today.
ALIKI CHRYSOCHOU “MUSIC BROUGHT ME BACK TO LIFE”
Having trained as classical soprano, Aliki Chrysochou’s career took a surprising turn when she entered Britain’s Got Talent, reaching the semi-finals with her impressive rendition of the song “Bring Me to Life”. Watching her poised and perfect performance, it is difficult to believe that this confident singer, who radiates her own special energy, has experienced a potentially devastating illness. Her road to success has been a difficult path; but Aliki Chrysochou is someone who never gave up on her dreams…
As a child, you were described as a musical prodigy, working with renowned Cypriot composers, poets and musicians; did you always believe that you would become a classical soloist and soprano?
Growing up I was a big part of the Diastasis group. We travelled and we sang with Nana Mouskouri, Dalaras, Mario Frangoulis and Deborah Myers. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a child prodigy; it was mostly a title that was given to me whist I was growing up by my teachers and people around me in the music field. Perhaps it was because people saw how entranced and enthused I was, whenever I was involved with music. I grew up in a family in which the arts had a significant role and so it was not unusual for me to want to dedicate my life to music, especially singing.
When you were diagnosed with focal encephalitis, a disease which can cause permanent brain damage, you must have felt that your dreams of a singing career were over?
During my worst moments, all I could think about was how to keep myself alive and remain alive, in order to continue living and to be able to complete all of the dreams that I had. The worst thing was that I was completely aware in my own head of what was happening. I was trapped inside my own body and not being able to do anything. My mum used to feed me and bathe me, and I was in a wheelchair. In a matter of two weeks, I was in the neurological hospital in London. I recovered in about a year and a half, when I returned to university under medical supervision.
Even in the darkest of times, you credit music as being a lifeline and the inspiration for your recovery?
During my recovery singing was the only thing I was able to do. My mum would write down lyrics for me, to be able to study them, because I wasn’t able to write them down. After completing my piano recital during my freshman year at University, I was devastated that now I could not even play one note. It took me about a year to go back and touch the piano, and when I did it was as if not a day had gone by. All the notes were there! It was exactly as if somebody had switched you off and then switched you on again! Music is what brought me back to life.
As well as many stunning, classical performances, you recently became a semi-finalist in Britain’s Got Talent; with acts as diverse as ventriloquists and dancing dogs, did you find the talent competition, a strange experience after your formal musical training?
Britain’s Got Talent was an amazing experience, the talent and the challenges were at a very high standard, and I have met some fantastic people in front and behind the scenes, although it felt quite strange being up against some different acts which did not really have anything to do with music or singing, but none the less, I treated the competition seriously and I did my best.
On the show, you received a standing ovation for your performance of “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence. This song is obviously important to you?
It is very poignant for me, and every word describes perfectly how I was, back then when I was diagnosed with encephalitis. Singing at the London Palladium was such a dream come true; being on that stage, where so many amazing artists and performers have been. As soon as I stood in the middle of the stage, I just soaked in so much energy, which was given to me from the whole room, that I think I was the happiest person on earth, when I was there.
You looked very poised and confident on stage?
When I am on stage I feel most at home. I am nervous before I walk on, but once I am on, stood in the middle, I think I find my Zen and I feel a lot of positive energy coming from the audience. When the music starts I am at peace and ready to sing.
Simon Cowell compared you to the very talented Katherine Jenkins; does she inspire you in any way?
She is an absolutely amazing artist and mezzo soprano, and growing up I admired her music, and I was influenced by this kind of music. Maria Callas, Sarah Brightman, Andrea Bocelli, Nana Mouskouri, Julie Andrews, are the people I grew up listening to, and we are all influenced by so many things around us, to create our own being, our own music.
Has your life changed in any way since appearing on Britain’s Got Talent?
It was great stepping stone for me, which gave me a huge platform for more exposure, which has really helped to broaden my music worldwide. After Britain’s Got Talent, I was given the honour to have been made an ambassador of the world Encephalitis Society, which gives me a perfect opportunity to raise awareness and give help to the families and individuals who are going through this terrible brain disease.
What about your recent and future projects?
I have recently sung for the British troops with the EPI Military Wives Choir. I was invited to sing at the opening ceremony of the world youth sailing championship competition, and I have been invited to sing in Melbourne, in November for a gala. I am currently working on many different projects. There are a lot of offers and big opportunities! Classical singing is what I love the most; it is such a big and powerful expertise. It is the foundation to everything, but I am open to experiment with different kinds of genres of music as well, sometime in the future.
As someone who has persevered through very difficult times to achieve success; what does Status mean to you?
Status for me is something that relates directly to a sense of self happiness. It is the road that takes me on a life-long journey and every little thing I have come across, my accumulated experiences, in this beautiful journey called life. This year is the first time I have actually spoken about encephalitis; but before, when everything happened, my family and I, we were just focused on getting over it and moving on. It’s in the past now, but what I went through has made me be the person I am today.
For more information about Aliki Chrysochou, please visit: www.alikichrysochou.com, www.facebook.com/AlikiChrysochouSoprano
Изображение:
Having trained as classical soprano, Aliki Chrysochou’s career took a surprising turn when she entered Britain’s Got Talent, reaching the semi-finals with her impressive rendition of the song “Bring Me to Life”. Watching her poised and perfect performance, it is difficult to believe that this confident singer, who radiates her own special energy, has experienced a potentially devastating illness. Her road to success has been a difficult path; but Aliki Chrysochou is someone who never gave up on her dreams…
As a child, you were described as a musical prodigy, working with renowned Cypriot composers, poets and musicians; did you always believe that you would become a classical soloist and soprano?
Growing up I was a big part of the Diastasis group. We travelled and we sang with Nana Mouskouri, Dalaras, Mario Frangoulis and Deborah Myers. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a child prodigy; it was mostly a title that was given to me whist I was growing up by my teachers and people around me in the music field. Perhaps it was because people saw how entranced and enthused I was, whenever I was involved with music. I grew up in a family in which the arts had a significant role and so it was not unusual for me to want to dedicate my life to music, especially singing.
When you were diagnosed with focal encephalitis, a disease which can cause permanent brain damage, you must have felt that your dreams of a singing career were over?
During my worst moments, all I could think about was how to keep myself alive and remain alive, in order to continue living and to be able to complete all of the dreams that I had. The worst thing was that I was completely aware in my own head of what was happening. I was trapped inside my own body and not being able to do anything. My mum used to feed me and bathe me, and I was in a wheelchair. In a matter of two weeks, I was in the neurological hospital in London. I recovered in about a year and a half, when I returned to university under medical supervision.
Even in the darkest of times, you credit music as being a lifeline and the inspiration for your recovery?
During my recovery singing was the only thing I was able to do. My mum would write down lyrics for me, to be able to study them, because I wasn’t able to write them down. After completing my piano recital during my freshman year at University, I was devastated that now I could not even play one note. It took me about a year to go back and touch the piano, and when I did it was as if not a day had gone by. All the notes were there! It was exactly as if somebody had switched you off and then switched you on again! Music is what brought me back to life.
As well as many stunning, classical performances, you recently became a semi-finalist in Britain’s Got Talent; with acts as diverse as ventriloquists and dancing dogs, did you find the talent competition, a strange experience after your formal musical training?
Britain’s Got Talent was an amazing experience, the talent and the challenges were at a very high standard, and I have met some fantastic people in front and behind the scenes, although it felt quite strange being up against some different acts which did not really have anything to do with music or singing, but none the less, I treated the competition seriously and I did my best.
On the show, you received a standing ovation for your performance of “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence. This song is obviously important to you?
It is very poignant for me, and every word describes perfectly how I was, back then when I was diagnosed with encephalitis. Singing at the London Palladium was such a dream come true; being on that stage, where so many amazing artists and performers have been. As soon as I stood in the middle of the stage, I just soaked in so much energy, which was given to me from the whole room, that I think I was the happiest person on earth, when I was there.
You looked very poised and confident on stage?
When I am on stage I feel most at home. I am nervous before I walk on, but once I am on, stood in the middle, I think I find my Zen and I feel a lot of positive energy coming from the audience. When the music starts I am at peace and ready to sing.
Simon Cowell compared you to the very talented Katherine Jenkins; does she inspire you in any way?
She is an absolutely amazing artist and mezzo soprano, and growing up I admired her music, and I was influenced by this kind of music. Maria Callas, Sarah Brightman, Andrea Bocelli, Nana Mouskouri, Julie Andrews, are the people I grew up listening to, and we are all influenced by so many things around us, to create our own being, our own music.
Has your life changed in any way since appearing on Britain’s Got Talent?
It was great stepping stone for me, which gave me a huge platform for more exposure, which has really helped to broaden my music worldwide. After Britain’s Got Talent, I was given the honour to have been made an ambassador of the world Encephalitis Society, which gives me a perfect opportunity to raise awareness and give help to the families and individuals who are going through this terrible brain disease.
What about your recent and future projects?
I have recently sung for the British troops with the EPI Military Wives Choir. I was invited to sing at the opening ceremony of the world youth sailing championship competition, and I have been invited to sing in Melbourne, in November for a gala. I am currently working on many different projects. There are a lot of offers and big opportunities! Classical singing is what I love the most; it is such a big and powerful expertise. It is the foundation to everything, but I am open to experiment with different kinds of genres of music as well, sometime in the future.
As someone who has persevered through very difficult times to achieve success; what does Status mean to you?
Status for me is something that relates directly to a sense of self happiness. It is the road that takes me on a life-long journey and every little thing I have come across, my accumulated experiences, in this beautiful journey called life. This year is the first time I have actually spoken about encephalitis; but before, when everything happened, my family and I, we were just focused on getting over it and moving on. It’s in the past now, but what I went through has made me be the person I am today.
For more information about Aliki Chrysochou, please visit: www.alikichrysochou.com, www.facebook.com/AlikiChrysochouSoprano
Aliki Chrysochou starting to record her debut album with Robin Hoffmann - Composer/Orchestrator/Arranger at Smecky Music Studios + Latest News 4th February 2015
Click on Aliki Facebook link below to see video
Hello Everybody! Special day for me today..I started recording my Debut Album with Robin Hoffmann - Composer/Orchestrator/Arranger at Smecky Music Studios. Stay tuned Love Aliki x
Happy Sunday to you all! Feeling #blessed #lucky#thankful! Heart beating, toes aching, kms increasing!Whenever my legs start to give up during my training,all I have to do is take a breath and remember how very fortunate I am,not only to be back on my own two feet again but having the opportunity to RUN the 42k London Marathon for the The Encephalitis Society and help raise awareness for this thief of a virus,Encephalitis! Love Aliki x
http://
Caruso is helping me get ready for #WED222#Awakenings concert Everyman & PlayhouseFebruary 22nd @7:30pm. Hope to see you there. Love Aliki x
For anyone who is on Instagram, you can also follow me on my personal account instagram.com/
Click on Aliki Facebook link below to see video
Hello Everybody! Special day for me today..I started recording my Debut Album with Robin Hoffmann - Composer/Orchestrator/Arranger at Smecky Music Studios. Stay tuned Love Aliki x
Happy Sunday to you all! Feeling #blessed #lucky#thankful! Heart beating, toes aching, kms increasing!Whenever my legs start to give up during my training,all I have to do is take a breath and remember how very fortunate I am,not only to be back on my own two feet again but having the opportunity to RUN the 42k London Marathon for the The Encephalitis Society and help raise awareness for this thief of a virus,Encephalitis! Love Aliki x
http://
http://
Caruso is helping me get ready for #WED222#Awakenings concert Everyman & PlayhouseFebruary 22nd @7:30pm. Hope to see you there. Love Aliki x
For anyone who is on Instagram, you can also follow me on my personal account instagram.com/
Liverpool Concert -Awakenings
Published on 31 Jan 2015
Join us on February 22nd at 7:30
EveryMan Theatre in Liverpool
For #WED222 (World Encephalitis Day)
Love Aliki x
Tickets available:
https://tickets.everymanplayhouse.com...
EveryMan Theatre in Liverpool
For #WED222 (World Encephalitis Day)
Love Aliki x
Tickets available:
https://tickets.everymanplayhouse.com...
Join us at The Everyman Theatre in Liverpool for this exclusive World Premiere with International singer Aliki Chrysochou. The evening is hosted by Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive of The Encephalitis Society who is joined by the University of Liverpool's Professor Tom Solomon. The theatre recently won the RIBA sterling Prize for Best British Building against the huge competition of The Shard and London Aquatics Centre! The theatre is opening its doors on a Sunday in order to host this premiere event.
As a little taster watch the video below an listen to the song Aliki dedicated to World Encephalitis Day 2014.
Several years ago Aliki contracted Encephalitis. The devastation that this wreaked upon her and her family should not be underestimated and Aliki lost all capacity for co-ordination, speech and movement. She was unable to take care of herself and her mother fed her, bathed her and took care of her every personal need. After months of medical care Aliki eventually began the road to recovery and music became the conduit for her recovery. Now a sought-after artist, Aliki has gone on to sing all over the world, including winning universal praise from the judges of Britain’s Got Talent, for her talent and courage and with all four judges giving her a standing ovation not once but twice. It was shortly after this that Aliki agreed to become an Ambassador for The Encephalitis Society providing hope and inspiration for other people affected by this devastating condition. Aliki wanted to do something to help us raise awareness and we have been thrilled to work with her on this exciting project! During the event we will also hear a Keynote Address from Professor Tom Solomon, of Liverpool’s Institute of Infection and Global Health, who Chair’s the Encephalitis Society’s Professional Advisory Panel. He will give a brief overview of Encephalitis, explain why World Encephalitis Day is so important, and talk about recent research.
Liverpool is a fantastic city with a vibrant city centre, the Philharmonic Hall, a plethora of museums and buildings of historical interest as well as being home to probably the most famous boy band in the World – The Beatles! Why not make a weekend of it and stay at our preferred hotel and sponsor The Hope Street Hotel. Hope Street Hotel are offering a special rate of £90for the sunday night with breakfast if you quote the following code: 450035.
Liverpool is a fantastic city with a vibrant city centre, the Philharmonic Hall, a plethora of museums and buildings of historical interest as well as being home to probably the most famous boy band in the World – The Beatles! Why not make a weekend of it and stay at our preferred hotel and sponsor The Hope Street Hotel. Hope Street Hotel are offering a special rate of £90for the sunday night with breakfast if you quote the following code: 450035.
Provisional Programme.
19:00 Pre Show Drinks Reception for VIPs
19:30 Welcome and Introductions - Dr. Ava Easton and Professor Tom Solomon
20:00 Concert Commences
21:00 Aliki tells her story with an opportunity for questions from the audience
Tickets can be purchased here:
£20.00 Concert.
£50.00 Deluxe Experience to also include a signed DVD of the concert and pre-show drinks reception
£100.00 VIP Experience to include all of the above with a pre-show meet with Aliki and after-party at a local boutique hotel (only 10 available).
Please note this event including shots of the audience will be filmed and photographed.
This event is organised by The Encephalitis Society in collaboration with the University of Liverpool and all proceeds from the event will go direct to The Encephalitis Society’s charitable work.
You can Follow Aliki on these links
Facebook
Twitter
Tickets on sale for #Awakenings concert @LivEveryPlay #WED222 February 22nd. Can't wait to see some of you there! who's coming? Love Aliki x