At St. Joseph Healthcare our mission is clear – we strive to support the overall wellness and healing of a patient’s mind, body and spirit. To that end, we’ve partnered with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra to periodically deliver our patients, families, visitors, and staff a healthy dose of classical music to help heal their spirit.
Live Duet Performances
On the third Tuesday of each month, two talented musicians from the Bangor Symphony Orchestra put on a two-hour performance at the hospital. Violinist, Lynn Brubaker and Cellist, Marisa Solomon, situate themselves outside the third-floor chapel or in the elevator lobby areas on the fourth and sixth floors — which include inpatient care units, outpatient services and multiple waiting areas – and play away, bringing joy to all who pass by.
Music Heals
Multiple scientific studies have shown the power of music to heal. Its universal appeal makes it an influential tool. Music can help reduce depression, anxiety, heart rate, blood pressure, and even pain. Not to mention its ability to facilitate social connection, which positively impacts overall well-being.
St. Joe’s Healing Arts Program
Several hospital employees were so intrigued by studies on the relationship between the arts and health, they assembled a group of staff, volunteers and artists to lead the creation of a Healing Arts Program. The program focuses entirely on enhancing the hospital’s environment through the arts.
“We’re so pleased to have found such a welcoming home at St. Joseph Healthcare,” shares Brian Hinrichs, Executive Director, Bangor Symphony Orchestra. “This partnership is about ensuring music reaches every corner of our community, especially those corners that need it most.”
“Offering this kind of musical performance is a powerful way for St. Joe’s to fulfill its mission of providing healing and care for the whole person as well as for the community,” said Sue Bernier, Executive Director of Philanthropy, St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation. “As soon as the duet begins to play, people stop to listen, and visitors gather around – it’s magical.”
Learn More
The Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s serene performances are made possible the Healing Arts Program. If you’d like to learn more about this program, please visit St. Joseph Healthcare’s website at www.stjoeshealing.org or contact Sue Bernier at sbernier@covh.org or 207.907.3166.
This article: St. Joseph Healthcare and Bangor Symphony Orchestra Come Together to Help Heal originally appeared in the July/August 2019 edition of Harvest – The Magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Portland.
