Using music to heal

In recent decades, research into Music Therapy suggests that music can be used to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain and promote physical rehabilitation. Accordingly, the St Vincent’s Art Committee has launched a new Healing Arts music program to benefit Hospital patients.

An inaugural performance was held in August. The Heavenly voices of the St Vincent's College Garcia Choir filled the Mezzanine floor as students ranging from Year Seven to 12 sang a repertoire that included Schubert's 'Ave Maria' and 'All that Jazz' from the musical Chicago. Paul Smollen of the St Vincent's Art Committee said: “The girls were amazing - so much so that we’ve since had numerous requests from patients, staff and the Sisters themselves, for an encore.”

This wonderful performance both underlined the Hospital’s association with the wider St Vincent’s family and christened the Hospital’s newly purchased Beale upright piano, (which produces a sound almost identical to that of a grand piano!).

The new music program will continue over the coming months with visits from the Sydney Girls High School and Sydney Street Choirs.  It will also feature orchestral performances from Sydney Boys High and the Wind Quartet of the Royal Australian Navy Band, Sydney Division.

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