VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital and VCU Health’s Department of Arts In Healthcare received a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts to engage professional musicians to perform for patients.  The performances are presented in the common areas of the hospital.  The first performance was the two-man group, Pure Acoustics on October 17th. The violinist Sophie Crowder performed on October 24^th, next was violinist Bradyn Cole on October 31^st and November 7^th and David & JD Rimon also played on November 7th.  Sylvia Lambert, Membership Chairperson with the VCU Health CMH Auxiliary was there to witness their performance.  She commented, “I enjoyed it beyond what words can express.”

According to Ken Kurz, director of marketing and development at VCU Health CMH, “The power of music is real. The people who were experiencing the music couldn’t help but smile. We are very grateful for the Virginia Commission for the Arts for the grant that has made this all possible. We have received tremendous feedback and we are hoping more performers will contact us to be a part of this healing musical mission.”

“Our hope is to also take this to patient rooms,” he added. “We have had piano players, violinists, a cellist and we hope to have a bell choir for the holiday season.”

Here is the impressive lineup of performers scheduled.

Nov. 21 – 11:30-12:30 – Sophie Crowder
Nov. 23 – 11:30-12:30 – JD Rimon and Sophie Crowder
November 27 – Raleigh Celliano

November 28 – SVCC Chorus

Dec. 5 – Pure Acoustics

December 18 – Raleigh Celliano
Dec. 20 – 11:45-12:45 – Sophie Crowder
Dec. 21 – 11:30-12:30 – David & JD Rimon
Dec. 23 – 11:30-12:30 – JD Rimon & Sophie Crowder
January 9 – Pure Acoustics
January 15 – Raleigh Celliano
February 14 – Pure Acoustics

Solo Instrumentalist and small musical ensembles interested in performing should contact Kurz at 434-447-0855 or email Kenneth.Kurz@vcuhealth.org