HEALING HARMONIES

Music has a powerful ability to promote healing and transform our bodies and minds. Recognition of the power of live music is growing among medical professionals and therapists because of its ability to enhance the overall patient experience. The use of live music in healthcare settings has been shown to have a positive effect on patients’ anxiety level, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Through its Healing Harmonies Program, The Syracuse Orchestra has teamed up with several key healthcare institutions in the Central New York region to bring live music with therapeutic benefits directly to patients undergoing treatment. With generous assistance from several local foundations, Syracuse Orchestra musicians perform for patients in partner facilities; many patients may otherwise be unable to attend a symphony concert due to their physical challenges.

Syracuse Orchestra musicians have brought live music to patients at Hematology Oncology Associates in East Syracuse and Onondaga Hill, St. Joseph’s Dialysis at the Northeast Medical Center in Fayetteville, and Upstate Cancer Center in Syracuse. Healing Harmonies musicians have also shared music with music patients and residents at St. Camillus Health and Rehabilitation Center, Hearth on James, Kaye Center for Cancer Wellness, St. Luke’s Health in Oswego, and Syracuse VA Medical Center, as well as clients of the Samaritan Center in Syracuse as the program expands to also serve friends dealing with loneliness & isolation, addiction, homelessness, and other types of mental and emotional trauma.

Feedback from patients, medical personnel, and caregivers indicates that the majority of clients and patients appreciate and welcome the live music being played. For information about the Healing Harmonies program, contact our Community Engagement Manager, Lara Mosby.

Healing Harmonies Is Made Possible In Part By Support From These Generous Sponsors: