Bravo!

This Friday, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra's Juniper String Quartet will perform at Acadia Hospital in Bangor as part of a new wellness program.

The musical performances will happen on a monthly basis as a way to "provide an opportunity for reflection, inspiration, and education for child and adolescent; and adult patient groups," according to hospital officials.

Acadia Hospital's CEO Daniel Coffey says for caregivers and visitors, music helps create an uplifting environment and has the potential to relieve stress.

"We do understand that music really can help people in terms of dealing with stress or reducing stress, or feelings of agitation," states Coffey. " It (music) has a calming effect."

Coffee says the wellness program idea was born after he met BSO's Lucas Richman back in January.

"When he learned I was CEO at Acadia Hospital he shared with me work he had done with music and wellness programs with the Pittsburgh and Knoxville orchestras. He talked about the therapeutic effects on patients, caregivers, visitors and musicians through live musical performances. I quickly invited him to visit Acadia Hospital on his next trip to Bangor to discuss further his experience with music and wellness to explore a program for Acadia.”

The Bangor Symphony Orchestra’s mission is to provide Maine people with diverse musical experience and educational programs, and they have done so year after year since 1896.

“The BSO is thrilled to be partnering with Acadia Hospital on this exciting new initiative. It is part of our mission to bring music out of the concert hall and into the community. For our musicians to play a role in the work Acadia does will prove exceptionally rewarding for all involved,” says Brian Hinrichs, BSO Executive Director. 

 

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