Music inspired by Cancer Research UK to have world premiere at Classic FM Live

A piece of classical music inspired by the work of Cancer Research UK is to have its world premiere at Classic FM’s prestigious event, Classic FM Live, on 25 April 2013.

Howard Goodall, Classic FM’s Composer-in-Residence, composed the music for the radio station as part of its five month partnership with Cancer Research UK. During that time, he travelled the country meeting scientists who strive to find cures for all cancers, supporters who make their work possible, and cancer survivors who are alive today thanks to the vital research carried out by the charity.  

Howard’s journey has been documented through a series of videos which capture these moments. One of the people he met along his journey was Jean, aged 66, who has survived non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  

Jean said: “I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2006 after experiencing severe stomach pains and vomiting.  After major surgery I met my oncologist, a wonderful man who works for Cancer Research UK called Professor Peter Johnson.  He put me on a trial testing a new way to deliver chemotherapy, and thanks to this research I am here today and still doing well.  I cannot thank him enough for what he’s done for me.

“Professor Johnson and I met Howard as part of his journey to create this new piece of music for Cancer Research UK.  It’s a tremendous honour for me to have been part of the project, and I hope my story has inspired him.  With continued support, more people can survive like me.  And for that I will be eternally grateful.”

Howard took inspiration from the people he met, like Jean, when composing the final piece of music.  He also met cancer survivors Adel Lewin and Alan Hibbert, one of the charity’s most committed volunteers Meharban Jutlla, and Franz and Jack who together form singing duo Foley and Hepburn, who have performed across the country raising thousands of pounds for the charity.

John Suchet, Classic FM presenter and host of Classic FM Live, said: We’re so fortunate to have a musician of Howard’s calibre as Classic FM’s Composer in Residence – and the world premiere of More Tomorrows is set to be a very special moment.  Working with Howard provides ample proof that classical music isn’t just about the past: it’s a living, breathing, exciting genre of music and I’m sure this work will be played by us all on Classic FM for many years to come.”

Natasha Hill, Director of Brand and Strategic Marketing at Cancer Research UK said: “We can’t wait to hear the finished piece of music performed at the Royal Albert Hall!  Howard is a very talented composer, and the journey he went on to meet some of our amazing scientists, supporters and survivors will have inspired him to write a fantastic piece.  More people are surviving cancer than ever before and survival rates have doubled over the past 40 years.  However, every step we take towards beating cancer relies on every pound donated.  We hope the music will become a tribute to our life-saving work, and will help create more tomorrows for more people.”

‘More Tomorrows’ by Howard Goodall will also be available for purchase on iTunes from 20th May and a donation from each sale will go to Cancer Research UK.  

For more information or to watch the videos, visit http://promo.classicfm.co.uk/cancer-research-uk/

ENDS

Fore media enquiries contact the Cancer Research UK press officer on 020 3469 8315.