CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the launch of Music & Wellness, a new partnership with Mercy Health that will provide patients, employees, physicians and the community access to unique musical experiences, leaving a long lasting impact on all populations regardless of age, social, racial and economic factors and build brand awareness and loyalty across diverse communities and participants. The multi-faceted program paves the way for both organizations to better serve the health and spiritual well-being of our communities at large. These benefits range from public events, such as performances by CSO musicians in Mercy Health hospitals, to educational workshops detailing the relationships between music and wellness, to lecture performances on topics such as the science behind music and medicine.
On December 6, the CSO and Mercy Health celebrate the launch of this new partnership with a kickoff event at 2 p.m. in the Mercy Health—Anderson Hospital atrium. The CSO Brass Trio will perform a program of holiday music. The concert is open to the media and public, as well as patients and hospital staff. Similar performance events will take place about once a month beginning in February 2013. In September, CSO violinist Sylvia Samis performed from room to room in honor of Yom Kippur at The Jewish Hospital—Mercy Health. Also in September, CSO cellist Alan Rafferty and Dr. Craig Willis, a Mercy Health Physician, presented a backstage career workshop for students and parents about the importance of avoiding injury as a professional musician.
The Music & Wellness program will continue to offer a number of opportunities for both Mercy Health and the CSO to continue their missions. For example, lectures such as the career workshop presented in September benefit student musicians by demonstrating that musicians are prone to injury from repeating a motion countless times when practicing and performing. Common injuries are to back, neck and facial muscles. A better understanding of how to avoid music injuries is vital for a musician’s health.
To have an in-depth analysis from a certified Mercy Health Orthopedic physician explaining the intricacies of a musician’s movement, proper posture, alignment, coordination and overall physical well-being while playing an instrument not only offers health enhancing tips but add a fascinating educational component. A lecture demonstration format between a Mercy Health physician and a CSO musician provides insight and knowledge that is beneficial to all who participate.
Musician performances in Mercy Health hospital locations allows the CSO to help create a calming atmosphere in a care setting, creating a great bonding experience for families who are visiting and creating an opportunity for patients to experience the beauty of music in a non-traditional setting.
The CSO also plans to partner with Mercy Health to create a presence at local health fairs, promoting the wellness program and the importance of music appreciation and participation.
For more information on this unique partnership and a complete list of upcoming events, please visit www.cincinnatisymphony.org/musicandwellness.
