KES baroque entertain patients, staff and visitors at the RUH

Classical hits and pop song arrangements were played by KES Baroque to patients and their families at the Royal United Hospitals (RUH) Bath earlier this week.

Pupils performed at the hospital to mark the start of a new fundraising initiative by KES musicians in collaboration with Art at the Heart and The Forever Friends Appeal to help raise funds for the new Dyson Cancer Centre that will be built at the hospital.

Rupert Drury, Director of Music at KES said: “Our pupils really enjoyed playing at the RUH on Monday night and it was wonderful to see so many patients, staff and visitors enjoy our two musical performances.  We hope that not only did we entertain and lift everyone’s spirits, but also helped to raise awareness of the therapeutic benefits of music, as well as highlighting our aim to raise money in aid of such a worthwhile cause.”

It is anticipated that over the next few years, KES pupils will lend their musical talents to events to help raise funds for a piano that will reside in the new Cancer Centre at the RUH.

During the evening's performances in the hospital’s Atrium and Jubilee Gardens, patients and their families were treated to a wonderful range of classical and popular music, ranging from Coldplay and Lady Gaga to Vivaldi’s Spring from The Four Seasons.

Jon McFarlane, Head of Surgery at the RUH said:  “I had just finished in theatres and was walking past the Atrium when I heard the music, so I came to listen. It is fantastic to hear music such as this being played by these talented young musicians.”

Ms Riding, a visitor at the RUH said: "It’s lovely to see youngsters playing to an audience as it helps build their confidence and it is wonderful to hear such cheerful music in the hospital.”

Frankie Simpkins, Art at the Heart Musician in Residence at the RUH said:  “We know from patient feedback that when music is played, it creates an uplifting and positive atmosphere and can help improve patients’ wellbeing and reduce anxiety and we are delighted therefore to be collaborating with the KES music department. Having music provision across the hospital helps us work towards our wider goal of bringing a sustainable programme of music to patients which will include the new Cancer Centre when it opens in the future.”

Fundraising in the fight against cancer never stops, and as The Forever Friends Appeal celebrates their 20th year, the RUH Cancer Care campaign continues, thanks to their supporters and donors who want to help ensure it is a truly special environment for patients and their families.

Once the new RNHRD and Therapies Centre opens this autumn, the old therapies building at the RUH will be cleared to make way for the construction of the new Dyson Cancer Centre.

For more information about the Dyson Cancer Centre and the RUH Cancer Care campaign please visit www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk.