Report reveals scale of classical music in healthcare

Photo: Nikolaj Schubert

The Association of British Orchestras, City of London Sinfonia, and Orchestras Live have released the first comprehensive survey of UK orchestras' work in the health, wellbeing and social care sectors.

The report has found that almost two thirds of professional orchestras surveyed (63%) deliver work in these sectors across the UK. Of the remaining 37%, most stated that they wish or have plans to do so in the future.

50% of those are working in hospitals (31% in acute settings, 19% in chronic settings), 22% are working in mental health settings, and 31% are working in social care settings.

This contribution is significant: representing a net gain of at least £1.6m to the public health sector of which 93% (£1.48m) was raised by orchestras themselves.

Sarah Derbyshire, CEO of Orchestras Live, commented, “orchestras have led the way in developing a community-focused approach to their work in health and wellbeing, engaging far more diverse audiences than they conventionally engage with.”

“As well as the impact on individuals, they are helping to rebuild communities, not least those in rural and coastal areas, through collaborative, consultative programmes.”

Read the full report here.

To find out more about the work that through the noise does in the health, wellbeing and social care sectors, head here.

(Featured photo: Rachel Bywater Photography / Manchester Camerata Music in Mind)