24th April 2003

 

Pied Piper Event Brings Music to the People 

Players from Oxford Philomusica Orchestra Perform at JR Hospital

 

Patients and the public will be treated to a May Day musical event at the John Radcliffe Hospital.  Members of The Oxford Philomusica Orchestra (OP) will spend the afternoon performing in public and ward areas as part of their drive to bring music out into the community.

 

Kate Comberti, Education Manager Oxford Philomusica said: ³This project is one of many we have created in collaboration with the hospital to bring the joy of live music to patients and the public.² 

 

Composer Alisdair Nicholson will work with OPıs musicians throughout the afternoon to create a complete piece of musical theatre.  The finale will be a performance of the new work entitled ³Fanfare for the Childrenıs Hospital².  The event is funded by Electrocomponents in support of OPıs community and education work to bring music out from traditional settings such as concert halls and perform in unusual places in the community such as hospitals.

 

Marion Fiddes, Assistant Director of Estates said: ³We are delighted to welcome the orchestra into the hospital and hope our relationship will continue for many years.  As a Trust we are keen to introduce more Art and Music events into the hospitals as studies show that creating a supportive and healing environment helps patients with their recovery.²

ENDS

 

 

Notes to editors: Photographers and journalists are invited to attend for photo opportunities between 2pm to 4.15pm.  The musicians will perform first at the main entrance level 2 and then will move onto the childrenıs wards on level 4 (limited space for camera crews/photographers) they will then move onto Level 2 outpatients area for a group performance, then onto the adult wards Level 7 with a grand finale on Level 2 beside the League of Friends Café at 3.45pm. 

 

Please report to main reception, level 2 at the John Radcliffe Hospital.  For more information contact the media & communications unit on 01865 228932 or Alison Barnes on mobile: 07900 918018.

 

  1. The Oxford Philomusica was founded in 1998 and had its musical debut in Oxford in February 1999.  Education and community work is a central part of their mission.  Pianist and conductor Marios Papadopoulos is the Founder and Music Director for the organisation. In October 2002 Oxford Philomusica was appointed as Orchestra in Residence to the University of Oxford for an initial five year period. 

 

2.  On 12 May 2003, the orchestraıs Patron and world-renowned pianist and conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy will conduct the orchestra for a performance at St Jamesıs Palace in the presence of HRH Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.  The concert is being held in aid of the Princeıs own charity: The Outward Bound Trust, and the programme will include Mozartıs Piano Concerto K271 which Ashkenazy will conduct from the keyboard.

 

  1. The Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust has formed and Arts Forum to bring together staff and patientsı views about art, music and the general environment in the hospitals in the Trust.   This musical performance is one of many events planned through this forum.