Full NSO Performs in CC Atrium, Celebrating Sound Health

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.