Every December for the past five years, musicians contracted by the Owensboro Symphony have performed with a baby grand piano up to twelve hours a day for staff, patients and visitors at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. This holiday tradition has been altered this year due to the visitor restrictions because of the pandemic.
The event was part of “Music On Call”, a community engagement program made possible by the Owensboro Health Health Investments Grant Program.
After the cancellation this year, officials began searching for another option to make sure the sounds of the holiday would still ring throughout the hospital.
Through a special collaboration with Owensboro Health and St. Stephen Cathedral, the Symphony was able to schedule a recording session in the cathedral.
There will be two unique ensembles performing: a french horn quartet and a viola choir. Both will be playing selections of sacred holiday favorites, highlighting the acoustics of St. Stephen Cathedral.
The performances will be recorded for the hospital to broadcast on their in-house television system throughout the month of December.
The Owensboro Symphony’s “Music On Call” program was designed to enhance and transform lives and bring hope and comfort to people who are experiencing challenging circumstances. While this can’t exactly be done this year in person, the program continues with a slight twist.
“This year it is more important than ever to find creative ways to provide music to the community — because the community can’t come to us,” said Gwyn Payne, CEO of the Owensboro Symphony. “We are thankful for this collaboration with Owensboro Health and St. Stephen Cathedral. We look forward to bringing back live performances as soon as it is safe to do so.”
