The Duchess of Gloucester telephoned one of her musical patronages this week, chatting with them about how they’ve adapted their live performance model during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Duchess of Gloucester spoke on the phone with representatives at Music in Hospitals & Care, and the charity posted on its Facebook page, “It was a joy to speak to our patron HRH The Duchess of Gloucester today and update her on how we have adapted our music delivery.”
The charity was founded in 1948 and has “been breaking down the barriers which prevent people, regardless of their health or wellbeing, from accessing the benefits of live music,” per its website.
“From lullabies for premature babies to old favourites for those living with dementia, we operate in a wide range of healthcare environments including hospitals, hospices, care homes, day centres, special schools and community settings,” it continues.
The charity regularly organises over 5,000 live performances each year, though 600 have had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. “Our sessions are designed to humanise clinical settings, reach and connect people, encourage communication and meaningful interactions and evoke emotions and memories when it matters most,” according to its website.
Since the pandemic started, Music in Hospitals & Care have shifted to live stream performances and concerts available on Facebook or personalised on its YouTube channel.
The Duchess of Gloucester has been Music in Hospitals & Care’s Royal Patron since 1999. She has said about the charity, “Instinctively we all seem to know that music makes us feel better. Having the privilege to be the Patron of Music in Hospitals & Care, I have seen at first hand just what a profound effect their live music concerts have on those in the healthcare system, including clinical and care staff, family and visitors.”
