TUCCA’s Music for the Cure project has been a beacon of hope for underprivileged Brazilian children and adolescents battling cancer, using the power of music to bridge the financial gap and ensure they receive the care they need.
Over the past 24 years, this extraordinary concert series has not only generated vital financial support but has also created unforgettable moments for the children and their families, reinforcing the belief that music truly has the power to heal.
Ahead of the Music for the Cure concert at Cadogan Hall, TUCCA President Dr Sidnei Epelman shares the story behind this vital project
The Music for the Cure project holds a special place in my heart and for all of us at TUCCA. The journey began with a recital by the acclaimed late Brazilian pianist, Nelson Freire, during the filming of his documentary with the Brazilian filmmaker João Moreira Salles. We were invited to organise the event, with all proceeds going to TUCCA. Now, 24 years later, we proudly host one of São Paulo’s most extraordinary classical and jazz concert series. Over the years, our stage has been graced by numerous world-renowned artists, including Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Maxim Vengerov, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Egberto Gismonti, Sumi Jo, Shlomo Mintz, Brad Mehldau, Sarah Chang, Daniel Hope, Paquito D’Rivera, Andreas Scholl, and Madeleine Peyroux.
The concert series not only generates vital financial support for our organisation but also engages many artists in our cause. Almost all of them visit our hospital and give performances for the children, creating memorable moments for everyone involved. I vividly recall one such visit, which coincided with the last chemotherapy session for one of our patients. The child’s mother asked the musicians to play something in celebration, and they performed Over the Rainbow. It was an incredibly moving moment that neither the patient nor any of us will ever forget.
Music for the Cure is also crucial in raising awareness. It serves as a powerful tool for reaching people who might not otherwise know about our work, helping them understand our mission through music. This unique approach reinforces our belief that music truly has the power to heal. By bridging the financial gap, these concerts ensure that more young patients receive the care they need to improve their chances of recovery.
Learn more about TUCCA
TUCCA’s mission is to provide high-quality cancer treatment for underprivileged children and adolescents in Brazil. Cancer in young people requires complex, long-term care, often far beyond the financial means of low-income families. Without proper treatment, their chances of recovery diminish significantly. TUCCA’s goal is to ensure that the best available treatment is accessible to all, not just to those with private health insurance.
In addition to medical support, children and their families require various forms of assistance, which TUCCA provides. This includes transportation, nutritious meals, dental care, social support and accommodation for families coming from outside São Paulo. TUCCA also offers educational support to ensure that children do not fall behind in school.
Over the past 25 years, in partnership with the philanthropic organisation Santa Marcelina Saúde, TUCCA has treated more than 5,500 children and adolescents, significantly increasing the cure rate from approximately 40% to 80%.
TUCCA Music for the Cure concert takes place at London’s Cadogan Hall on Monday 16 September. This charity concert will feature the Brazilian string ensemble São Paulo Chamber Soloists, percussionist Amoy Ribas and mandolinists Avi Avital and Hamilton de Holanda. To book a ticket, visit https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/avi-avital-and-hamilton-de-holanda-music-for-the-cure/
To discover more about TUCCA, visit tucca.org.br/musica-pela-cura/na-europa/
São Paulo Chamber Soloists who will be performing at the Cadogan Hall performance on 16 September, 2024