Christian Cappelluti(1975- 1998)
Childhood
Christian Cappelluti was born in Rome, Italy, on August 17, 1975. At the age of six he was enrolled in elementary school at the Beata Caterina di Santa Rosa institute, in his native neighborhood. It was during his elementary school years that he began to show a marked propensity for communication through themes, small poems and compositions. Central date in the life of young Christian is December 25, 1983 when his parents gave him the first guitar, which he nicknamed Katy. From that moment the passion for music was born that will accompany him throughout his short life. Together with the passion for Kung Fu, an activity practiced since the age of 11, he continues in the study of music, finding his true fulfillment in the composition of songs in English, an activity that he will begin to carry out assiduously from the age of 12.
The high school years
During the years of high school, carried out at the Massimo Institute in Rome, he refined his technique as an instrumentalist and composer, and in this period he formed his first band involving his childhood friends in his passion. In high school he meets Costanza, his muse, a young woman for whom he has an unspoken love, but who pushes him to very mature and aware compositions. Although this love will never materialize in a relationship, Costanza will remain for Christian, in the years to come, a leitmotiv of his musical production, so much so that he dedicates “Constance Dream” to her, his first musical project matured during his studies at Wake Forest University . At 16, he spent the summer in the United States at Berklee College to study composition and sound engineering. Back in Rome he will dedicate himself to experimenting with what he has learned in the musical field and at that time he founded the group of “Ocean”. His musical commitment does not hinder his scholastic success so much so that his high school graduation theme will be published by the Ministry of Education as it was selected among the best three hundred of the year.
The University in the USA, perfect pitch, Mina and the Poohs. As soon as he finished his high school exam, Christian moved to the United States where, at Wake Forest University, he graduated summa cum laude in Business and Administration in 1997. His success is evidenced by the awards he has achieved including the Jones Holder Business Scholarship, the Wall Street Journal Award and the Lura Baker Paden for Highest Achievement in Business. He gets admission to Phi Beta Kappa, Beta Gamma Sigma (specialized in the economic sector) and the Golden Key National Honor Society, the highest academic recognition in the world. Members of the Society include Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan. It is always in the university period that he begins to be interested in the phenomenon of absolute pitch: he follows courses on the subject and, after years of hard application, he amazes his teachers by proving that this phenomenon can be acquired. In 1995 his first musical project called “The Dream of Constance”, named after Costanza, his inspirational muse, also comes to an end. The project also receives enthusiastic presentations from the specialized magazines Billboard and Music biz. At the age of 20 he began a collaboration with Mina and her son Massimiliano Pani which resulted in the active participation of the young musician in the 1995 CD Pappa di latte. Also in the same years he accompanied the Pooh in concert, thanks to his friendship with Red Canzian, to deepen all the logistical and technical, as well as artistic, dynamics of a tour of a great band.
1998 At the end of his university studies, Christian Cappelluti begins to work actively to crown his ambition to put his album on the American market. In June 1998 he signed his first contract as a “producer” with the lawyer Owen Sloan, an important impresario in the field of American discography, and chose the stage name Chris Cappell. The frenetic activity ahead of the album’s release by the end of the year induces his parents to let him take a short period of rest. He chooses a trip to Scotland with Antonella, the girl he will soon marry. During the trip, however, he will show the first symptoms of problems, not yet fully understood, which will lead him to die on August 9 in the Perth hospital in just three days. In the document drawn up on 11 August, the causes of death are recognized as intracerebral hemorrhage, severe thrombocytopenia and idiopathic marrow aplasia. The tragic event stops the work for the publication of the album which today can be listened for free from the site that Christian’s friends, together with his parents, wanted to open for him.
Chris Cappell College
A Legacy of Transformation and Commitment
Since its establishment in 2010, Chris Cappell College has undergone significant growth and evolution. Starting with a small team of nine, including educators and support staff, the college has flourished into a vibrant community with 30 dedicated members. By 2023, the institution proudly catered to around 300 students, reflecting its dedication to academic excellence and comprehensive development.
The founding of Chris Cappell College was driven by the visionary leadership of Most Rev. Fr. Joseph Chalmers, O.Carm., Prior General of the Order of Carmel, along with his Council. Their insight and resolve were instrumental in establishing the college within the Carmelaram complex in Paravur. During the opening ceremony, Very Rev. Fr. Albertus Herwanta, O.Carm., General Councillor of the Order in Asia, highlighted the mission of the college: to serve as a center of excellence for underprivileged youth in India, deeply embedded in the Carmelite tradition of education.
Initially launched as an open school for Higher Secondary Education, Chris Cappell College quickly broadened its academic programs to include bachelor’s degrees in Arts, Business Administration, and Commerce. It also partnered with Bharathidasan University as a study center, thus enhancing its academic offerings. In 2015, the college acknowledged the growing importance of language skills and established a Language Institute in Chendamangalam, which was later renamed the Chris Cappell Language Institute. By 2019, the main campus had shifted its focus solely to language education, offering specialized programs in German and English.
At the core of Chris Cappell College is the lasting influence of the Cappelluti family, who established the college in memory of their son, Chris Cappelluti, a cherished musician. Their commitment to fostering an environment that supports academic, cultural, and all-encompassing growth remains central to the college’s philosophy. Today, Chris Cappell College’s Language Institute is celebrated for its innovative curriculum, designed to impart fundamental and advanced language skills to students. The dedicated faculty focuses on guiding, mentoring, and overseeing the educational progress of students, making the college a top choice for those looking to study abroad.
As articulated by our Director, Rev. Dr. Jacob Roby, “We teach because we love.” This principle reflects the enthusiasm and dedication of the Chris Cappell College community in nurturing future leaders and scholars. As the college continues to adapt to new educational trends, it steadfastly pursues its mission of empowering students to fulfill their aspirations and positively impact the world.
