March 6, 2024
Musician TAYLR strikes a chord of comfort in the hospital environment at South Health Campus in Calgary. Photo by Ainsley Christine.
Story by Melanie Veriotes | Photo by Ainsley Christine
CALGARY — Patients, staff, physicians and visitors shared moments of joy with live music amidst the challenges of hospital life during a recent concert series at South Health Campus.
More than 600 people attended 10 performances in various areas of the hospital in February, where the series proved to be a resounding success, captivating hearts and minds with a range of musical performances.
The pilot project was made possible by a one-time grant of $11,300 from Alberta’s Ministry of Arts, Culture and Status of Women to YouQuest, in collaboration with Stagehand and South Health Campus. The series promoted wellness and community engagement and also showcased the city’s musical talent.
“It’s the voice of the soul. It’s music to the heart and is amazing that these performances are happening here,” says Shelly Rain, a hospital visitor who took in a few concerts.
Dr. Stephanie Plamondon, Clinical Professor at the University of Calgary and physician with the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at South Health Campus, emphasizes the global recognition of the power of music on well-being. For hospital staff, music reduces stress and boosts morale.
"For patients facing pain, medical procedures or lengthy stays, music provides comfort,” she adds. “It reduces anxiety, lowers blood pressure and enhances mood, fostering a sense of empowerment amidst challenges."
“Music has always been a complement to our focus on healthy, active living and sense of community,” says concert organizer Kelly Morstad, founder of YouQuest, an organization promoting active healthy living for people with young onset dementia expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enhance the hospital experience through music.
“We are delighted with the outcome of the concert series, supported by our partners and musicians, who made it possible to bring performing arts to where the people are — and to collectively create great moments in people’s lives.”
Derek Manns, co-founder and CEO of Stagehand, a Calgary-based company that connects artists with music venues and public spaces expressed enthusiasm for the partnership's potential to showcase live music.
“Hosting concerts in a hospital presents unique challenges that a pilot project allows us to evaluate and improve on and our artists have provided us with tremendous, positive feedback on the impact they have felt playing for this unique audience,” he says.
As the harmonies and notes linger in memory, the concert series working group is reviewing survey data and will make recommendations to chart the musical course ahead.
