Violinist leaned on music through battle with cancer

“There is no doubt in my mind that ... music carries with it the power to heal,” said cancer survivor Gabriela Diaz.

 Click here to see the interview: http://montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080105/VIDEO02/80105019

 At a time when most teen girls are making plans for Sweet Sixteen parties, Gabriela Diaz had to deal with a life-threatening illness.

A week before her birthday, Diaz was diagnosed with Stage IIB Hodgkin’s disease, a cancer of the lymphatic system, and shortly thereafter, began undergoing treatments. She said she found comfort and strength in music.

“Music was so vital to my healing process while I was sick,” said Diaz, who began studying violin at age 5. “When I was too weak to play the violin, I would listen to recordings of classical music, and it acted as a type of cartharsis for me.”

On Friday, Diaz will perform in the treatment area of the Montgomery Cancer Center for patients, their families and the center’s staff. She will play various pieces by Bach, Mozart and Bartok.

Later in the day, she will perform a concert featuring her father, violist Manuel Diaz, and Montgomery Symphony Orchestra cello fellow Katerina Juraskova.

Diaz is originally from Columbus, Ga., and first came to Montgomery last summer as part of ClefWorks, the area’s chamber music festival. She is delighted to return to the city to perform at the cancer center through ClefWorks Inc.’s partnership with the Cancer Wellness Foundation of Central Alabama.

And foundation executive director Susan Mayer Bruchis couldn’t be happier about Diaz’s visit. To her knowledge, this is the first time there has been something like this at the Montgomery Cancer Center.

Bringing beautiful, live music into the center will not just have a soothing, calming effect on people who might be a bit tense about first visits or beginning treatments, but it could also help them find an outlet of their own, she said.

“Perhaps they will discover their own creative energy, and that can be healing in its own right,” said Bruchis, whose organization provides supportive services, educational services and assistance to cancer patients throughout Central Alabama. With its interest in “healing arts,” she said the foundation was eager to partner with ClefWorks Inc.

Now, 10 years after being diagnosed and successfully treated by “a fantastic group of doctors” in Columbus and Atlanta, Diaz is healthy and happy to lend her musical talents to an assortment of cancer-related organizations and programs around the nation.

She performs for the American Cancer Society, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and The Race for the Cure just to name a few. She also founded and directs the Boston Hope Ensemble and gives concerts in the Boston area to raise funds for cancer organizations and research.

Diaz said that while she was sick, music always lifted her spirits, no matter how down she might be feeling physically or emotionally.

“It was during this period in my life that I realized that I had to be a violinist -- nothing else would do!” she said. “It is my belief that this art, music, can touch everyone, regardless of their experience or exposure with classical music. There is no doubt in my mind that this music carries with it the power to heal.”

Bruchis agreed and said everyone is grateful to have such a fine young musician perform at the cancer center.

“As a cancer survivor, she has a unique connection and optimism to share with our patients,” she said. “Her gift to cancer patients is more than the magnificent music she brings to them -- it’s hope.”

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MEET THE MUSICIANS

Gabriela Diaz: This violinist holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in violin performance from the New England Conservatory, where she studied under James Buswell. She received numerous honors at the conservatory, including the Chadwick Medal, the highest recognition given to a graduate of NEC, and the John Cage Award. She is now actively involved in contemporary music concerts at the New England Conservatory, Harvard University and MIT. She is a member of the Callithumpian Consort, Radius, Firebird and White Rabbit Ensembles.

Katerina Juraskova: This cellist's many prizes include second place in the Beethoven International Competition and first place in both the McGill/Canadian Broadcasting Company Concerto Competition and the Music Academy of the West Concerto Competition. She is in the second year of a two- year cello fellowship with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra. A native of the Czech Republic, Juraskova holds a doctorate in Cello Performance from McGill University.

Manuel Diaz: An internationally acclaimed violist, Diaz was born in Madrid, Spain, and was educated in Santiago, Chile. He was awarded a Fulbright Grant for further study at Indiana University. Prior to joining the faculty of Columbus State University, he was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Diaz currently performs as principal violist with the Columbus, Macon and Lagrange Symphony orchestras.

Source: ClefWorks