Full NSO Returns to Enlighten Staff at the Clinical Center

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) entertained NIH staff and patients with an array of classical pieces during its 12th annual NSO-NIH Sound Health concert on Sept. 4 in the NIH Clinical Center (CC) atrium. 

The full, 60-piece orchestra performed music that spanned several centuries and continents, including works by Ludwig Van Beethoven, Antonio Vivaldi, Aaron Copland and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and contemporary composers Takashi Yoshimatsu and Carlos Simon. 

The melodies were diverse, each evoking different tones and emotions: from dark, ominous and melancholy to light, bright and joyful.

“I love exploring the important, huge, mysterious connection between music and mental and physical health,” said conductor Steven Reineke. In performing at NIH, “We get to give this gift to doctors, nurses, patients and staff,” he said. “Thank you for all the work you do here, day in and day out.”

Sound Health is an ongoing partnership between NIH and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts that studies how music affects mood, brain function and health. 

“The Sound Health program explores the way music can reduce stress and promote wellness for all,” noted CC CEO Dr. James Gilman in opening remarks. 

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

Smaller groups of NSO musicians are slated to perform in the CC’s atrium in the coming months. These chamber concerts will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, Jan. 28 and May 15.  —Dana Talesnik