New York, NY -UNS: NYC Health + Hospitals today announced its summer schedule of live concerts through its Music for the Soul program in partnership with Sing for Hope. The free concerts are available to the public as well as patients and staff in and around the city’s public hospitals. The live concert series began in 2018 and continued with virtual performances in 2020 during COVID in partnership with the Mayor’s Office as a way to honor the work of NYC Health + Hospitals frontline staff during the height of the pandemic and support local musicians while music venues were closed. The program has since transitioned back to in-person concerts and includes New York City-based musicians who perform a variety of genres, including jazz, classical, folk, hip hop, and Latin music. Additional concerts in inpatient units will be offered for patients and staff at several facilities as well. Music for the Soul is run by the health system’s Arts in Medicine department and funded by the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund.
A large body of scientific research has shown that music can have a profound effect on our health. Music reduces symptoms of depression, supports pain management, provides a safe environment to contribute to healing from trauma, and builds resilience while decreasing anxiety and blood pressure. Music improves our sleep quality, mental alertness, memory, and overall health and well-being.
“Entering a hospital or healthcare facility is often related to difficult moments in people’s lives,” said Laurie Tisch, founder and president of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. “Live concerts bring energy, lighten the environment and offer a respite to patients, staff and everyone who visits. We are proud to help NYC Health + Hospitals Arts in Medicine department continue to present such joyful and healing programs.”
“Delivering live music throughout our system on a routine basis is part of our overall strategy to support the health of our patients, staff and families,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Assistant Vice President of Arts in Medicine Larissa Trinder. “Music provides meaningful moments of connection, improves cognitive functioning and reduces stress levels. We could not be prouder to continue our partnership with Sing for Hope and the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund who makes this work possible.”
“At Sing for Hope, we know that the arts are not just a luxury—they are a lifeline,” said Sing for Hope Co-Founder Monica Yunus. “Studies show that music can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, ease isolation, and even accelerate healing.”
Added Sing for Hope Co-Founder Camille Zamora, “Just as importantly, access to the arts is a matter of health equity. Our partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals helps ensure that all New Yorkers—regardless of zip code—experience the proven power of the arts to build community, uplift spirits, and support well-being.”
