On Sept. 3, the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) returned to the NIH Clinical Center for the 13th annual NSO-NIH Sound Health partnership concert, an event highlighting the enduring connection between music and well-being. Patients, families and staff gathered in the North Atrium to enjoy this notable tradition.
The program began with opening remarks from NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Clinical Center Acting Chief Executive Officer Pius Aiyelawo and Christina Farias, chief executive officer and executive director of the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES).
Under the direction of conductor Steven Reineke, a 60-piece orchestra presented an hour-long program featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, Rossini and other composers. Highlights included solo performances by Scott Christian on marimba and David Young on bassoon.
Reflecting on the performance, patient Breanna Turner remarked, “This was an awesome concert. We were able to listen from the sixth floor of the Clinical Center Atrium, and the music just reverberates. It’s so pretty sounding and really fun to hear. It’s pretty epic.”
The event was co-presented by the Clinical Center and FAES, continuing a valued collaboration that brings the arts to the NIH community.
-Yvonne Hylton