NYC Health + Hospitals has unveiled its exciting summer concert series as part of the Music for the Soul program, in collaboration with Sing for Hope. This initiative is set to foster a musical atmosphere within the city’s public healthcare system, offering free concerts to the public, patients, and staff across its various locations.
Since its inception in 2018, the concert series has evolved through various phases, including virtual performances during the COVID-19 pandemic to honor frontline workers and support local musicians. Now back to in-person gatherings, the series promises a vibrant mix of genres such as jazz, classical, folk, hip hop, and Latin music, performed by local artists. The concerts not only enhance the hospital’s environment but also cater to various patient populations by providing additional performances in inpatient units.
Music has a well-documented effect on health, backed by substantial scientific research. Studies have shown that engaging with music can alleviate symptoms of depression, assist in pain management, and offer a nurturing space conducive to healing from trauma. Furthermore, it can significantly lower anxiety levels and blood pressure, improve sleep quality, enhance memory, and promote overall well-being.
Laurie Tisch, founder of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, expressed the positive impact of live music in healthcare settings. She noted that the presence of live performances brings energy into facilities often associated with difficult times, providing a much-needed respite for patients, staff, and visitors alike. The financial support from the Illumination Fund plays a crucial role in sustaining these uplifting programs.
NYC Health + Hospitals’ Assistant Vice President of Arts in Medicine, Larissa Trinder, emphasized the organization’s commitment to integrating live music as part of its overall patient care strategy. Music fosters connections, sharpens cognitive functions, and diminishes stress levels. This collaboration with Sing for Hope and the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund underscores their collective mission to enhance the healthcare experience through artistic engagement.
At Sing for Hope, the belief is that arts are essential to health and well-being. Co-Founder Monica Yunus reiterated that the arts serve as a vital resource, significantly influencing stress reduction, blood pressure management, and emotional healing. Co-Founder Camille Zamora further highlighted the importance of access to the arts as a matter of health equity, ensuring that all communities can experience the healing power of music, regardless of their circumstances.
This summer’s concert schedule is set across various NYC Health + Hospitals locations, allowing different communities to partake in this enriching experience. For instance, the Bronx will host concerts at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi on select Tuesdays throughout June, July, and August. Brooklyn and Manhattan facilities will also feature concerts at designated times and locations, providing ample opportunities for residents to enjoy live music.
Bronx Concerts:
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
- Tuesdays: June 3, July 1, August 5 from 12 PM – 2 PM
Brooklyn Concerts:
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Broadway
- June 4 from 6 PM – 8 PM
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County
- Various dates in June and August
- Additional concerts will take place at several other Brooklyn locations.
Manhattan Concerts:
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Central Office
- August 6 from 1 PM – 2 PM
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem
- June 20 and August 22 from 12 PM – 2 PM
Queens Concerts:
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens
- July 10 and July 24 from 12 PM – 2 PM
The mission of the Arts in Medicine department at NYC Health + Hospitals is to elevate emotional well-being through various artistic expressions, including performance art, visual arts, and literature. This holistic approach not only supports the health of patients but also fosters a sense of community for all individuals involved, including employees and families.
In collaboration with organizations like Sing for Hope, NYC Health + Hospitals continues to push the boundaries of how healthcare facilities can serve their communities. By integrating music and the arts, they provide not just medical treatment, but a path toward emotional healing and connection that resonates far beyond hospital walls.
To stay connected and informed about future concerts and artistic programming, the community can visit the NYC Health + Hospitals website. Participation in such events is not just encouraged; it is seen as a vital component of holistic healthcare that nourishes both body and soul.
As the summer concert series rolls out, it’s an opportunity for everyone—patients, families, caregivers, and residents—to come together, enjoy live performances, and support local musicians. It’s a reminder that in the midst of healing, there is room for joy, community, and connection through the universal language of music.
