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NIH Record - 75th Anniversary - National Institutes of Health

Full NSO Performs in CC Atrium, Celebrating Sound Health

Looking below, from a higher floor, at the full orchestra and conductor

The full orchestra as seen from the CC’s third floor.

Photo: Dana Talesnik

Gilman poses with NSO conductor before the concert.

Clinical Center CEO Dr. James Gilman (l) greets NSO Conductor Steven Reineke.

Photo: Chia-Chi Charlie Chang

Davidson, holding a folder, talks into mic in front of orchestra in the atrium.

Jean Davidson, NSO executive director, opens the event.

Photo: Chia-Chi Charlie Chang

Viewed from behind, a child sits in a wheelchair next to 3 cellists

A young patient enjoys the concert.

Photo: Dana Talesnik

A close-up of Linsey playing oboe with his eyes closed

Soloist Harrison Linsey on oboe

Photo: Chia-Chi Charlie Chang

Qiao holds bow to violin, with string section behind her in the atrium

Soloist Jing Qiao on violin

Photo: Chia-Chi Charlie Chang

From the side, musicians on tuba, trombones and bassoon

A view of the brass section and the bassoons

Photo: Dana Talesnik

Hundreds gathered in the Clinical Center atrium on Sept. 13 for a classical performance by the National Symphony Orchestra. Last year, a smaller NSO ensemble returned to perform in-person. This performance marked both the return of the full 60-person ensemble and the 11th anniversary of Sound Health.

“The NSO-Sound Health initiative is driven by the belief that music has a positive impact on mind, body and spirit,” said NSO Executive Director Jean Davidson in opening remarks. Sound Health is an ongoing partnership between NIH and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts that explores how listening, performing or creating music affects mood, brain function and overall health.

Led by Conductor Steven Reineke, the NSO played classical works by Mozart, Dvořák and Coleridge-Taylor, among others. Some lively and upbeat, others slow and somber, the selections likely elicited a range of emotions as the music wafted throughout the atrium and up into the corridors and patient rooms above. 

The performance was co-presented by the CC and the Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences.  

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