performing arts events & news - breatheahr.org€¦ · performing arts events & news...

July - September 2019

Performing Arts Events & NewsCreative opportunities for patients, staff and visitors at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

The Performing Arts Programme is delivered by Breathe Arts Health Research and made possible with support from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.

2 3

Hello from Breathe Arts Health Research and welcome to our jam-packed summer of Performing Arts opportunities for staff, patients and visitors at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, made possible by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.

You will notice we’ve adjusted our quarterly programme just a little — we decided to share with you the breadth of projects and events we we run across the Trust which all aim to improve the health and wellbeing of our hospital communities.

Within this programme, you will find our usual information on our regular Live Performances (newly branded Breathing Spaces) at Guy’s and St Thomas’ but also

information on Participatory Projects we deliver including our fantastic Staff Community Choir, Trust Harmonix, our lively singing group for local mothers and their babies, Melodies for Mums and our brand new Singing for Breathing group for patients with respiratory conditions.

We hope you enjoy getting to know more about the range of Performing Arts activities we design and deliver as you browse through!

Looking forward to seeing you at an event soon.

Hannah, Tim and GeorgiaPerforming Arts, Breathe Arts Health Research

WelcomeIndex

1. Welcome 3

2. About Breathe Arts Health Research 4

3. About Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity 5

4. The Performing Arts Programme 6

5. Upcoming Live Performances: Breathing Spaces 7

July 7

August 9

September 10

6. Events Overview 12

7. Locations of Public Performances 14

8. Participatory Projects: Latest News 15

NEW! Singing for Breathing Group 15

Trust Harmonix 16

Melodies for Mums 18

Inde

x

Wel

com

e

A large print copy can be made available upon request.

Share your stories and experiences with us — we love hearing them!@BreatheAHR • breatheahr.org

Cover image Breathing Bodies Richard Eaton

4 5

Abou

t Guy

’s an

d St

Tho

mas

’

Abou

t Bre

athe

Art

s H

ealth

Res

earc

h

About Breathe Arts Health Research

The Breathe Arts Health Research team believe everybody has the equal right to lead a happy, healthy and fulfilled life. For some people, however, there are significant barriers to this: ill health, a stressful job, loneliness, or simply living in a society that is not well adapted to their physical or emotional needs.

The arts can offer people facing these challenges something very special: the chance to discover their creativity and interact with others, giving them purpose and value. By breathing music, magic, dance — and much more — into healthcare spaces and communities, we offer people hope, friendship and fulfilment when they need it most.

Breathe Arts Health Research do this through a diverse range of evidence - based Performing Arts Programmes, co-created with clinicians in order to deliver specific health and wellbeing outcomes for patients and staff.

We are a renowned Arts in Health Social Enterprise, also known for Melodies for Mums — our pioneering programme for mothers with or at risk of postnatal depression, and our Breathe Magic Intensive Therapy Programme for young people aged 7-19 with hemiplegia.

We are the proud charity of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Guy’s, St Thomas’ and Evelina London hospitals as well as community sites.

We raise money that helps the Trust fund life changing research, specialist equipment and better facilities, above and beyond what the NHS can provide. We are able to provide this support thanks to the generosity of patients, families, staff, philanthropists and members of our community who donate or fundraise for us.

These vital funds have enabled the Trust to buy toys for children cared for by Evelina London at Christmas, a 3D printer that will help improve transplant care and pioneering robotic surgery equipment. The funds also support the welfare and professional development of staff and improve the clinical environment for everyone.

Breathing Spaces Leigha Fearon Breathe Magic Richard Eaton

“Breathe is a prime example of developing new approaches to healthcare which harness the therapeutic benefits of the arts and creativity. I was incredibly impressed by the miracles worked by this small social enterprise.”

Former MP Secretary of State for Health and Social Care

Find out more about all of our work:

@BreatheAHR breatheahr.org

Find out more about our work and how to support us at:

supportgstt.org.uk/get-involved

About Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity

Support from these generous donations also makes possible the comprehensive arts programme delivered by our partners at Breathe Arts Health Research.

6 7

Wednesday 3rdAtrium 1 Guy’s Hospital, 1-2pm

Wednesday 17thAtrium 1 Guy’s Hospital, 1-2pm

Perf

orm

ing

Arts

Pro

gram

me

Nao Maebayashi & Sarah McKenna

Nao Maebayashi (piano) & Sarah McKenna (violin) give a beautiful performance of a selection of classical music for violin and piano including pieces by composers such as Schubert and Brahms. Both perform widely as a duet, individually as soloists and with a broad range of ensembles and orchestras both nationally and internationally.

Sambossa

Sambossa present all the sounds and rhythms of Brazil in a small band format. Compact but very powerful, with music ranging from sultry bossa nova & grooving afrofunk to blistering samba. Perfect to keep the summer moving!

Sherika Sherard

Prepare to be challenged and positively moved as you experience the infectious creativity of Sherika Sherard. With a voice like velvet to deliver her robust persona this artist never fails to warm the hearts of listeners. She has had her music picked up by Spike Lee to feature on his Netflix Series of “She’s gotta Have it” and was also asked by Seal to open for him on his tour.

Monday 8thCentral HallSt Thomas’ Hospital, 1-2pm

Brea

thin

g Sp

aces

: Jul

y

July Spread the word@BreatheAHR

#BreathingSpaces

Breathing Spaces: Live Performances

The Performing Arts Programme at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust is a suite of participatory music, dance, poetry and other arts projects that improve staff and patients’ health and wellbeing. This is underpinned by our regular live performances (Breathing Spaces) across the healthcare spaces, which contribute to a more welcoming and relaxing environment. All of this is delivered by an exceptional team who believe the arts offers people facing challenges something very special.

Live Performances: Breathing SpacesBased on research that the arts can significantly reduce anxiety levels, encourage relaxation and help with pain relief, our free Live Performances including music, dance, theatre, poetry, puppetry and magic invite you to enjoy a Breathing Space and are run in all areas of the Trust.

Participatory ProjectsProjects that creatively integrate and use Performing Arts in clinical and therapeutic programmes, tailored to specific patient and staff groups. Designed to improve clinical outcomes and create new ways of working.

The Performing Arts Programme

The programme is delivered by Breathe Arts Health Research and made possible with support from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.

Breathing Bodies Richard EatonThis Performance is part of the #ArtsCan public engagement campaign funded by Wellcome Trust highlighting how arts can benefit our health.

8 9

AugustJuly


Zong-Zing

Zong-Zing play uplifting music called Cavacha. It is the core rhythm of Central African music that has given rise to ‘Soukous’ in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is steeped in folklore. Characterised by intricate guitar picking, soaring vocal harmonies, and lively percussion this is music to touch your senses.

Sugar Kings

Driven by the spirit of 1950’s Cuba, The Sugar Kings present vocal harmonies from the salons of Havana to the rhythms of the Cuban countryside. Join Flavio and his band for some of the sweetest sounds around town.

Balagan Café Band

An elegant yet fiery fusion of jazz, world and classical music, featuring the intimate chamber instrumentation of violin, guitar and cello. Ranging from Parisian and American Jazz, the Chaabi music of Algeria, Tango from Argentina, Balkan folk melodies through to the early modern and folk music of Western Europe, Balagan fuses these threads into a coherent and characteristic sound world.



Brea

thin

g Sp

aces

: Jul

y

Brea

thin

g Sp

aces

: Aug

ust

Spread the word@BreatheAHR

#BreathingSpaces


#BreathingSpaces

Breathing Spaces: Live PerformancesBreathing Spaces: Live Performances

“Absolutely breathtaking. Music heals.”

Smart Arben Duo

This amazing duo of Shirley Smart (cello) and James Arben (tenor sax/flute/bass clarinet) bring a very different sound to our programme. James and Shirley met whilst working with Ethiopian vibes master Mulatu Astatke, and quickly discovered a shared interest in the possibilities of free improvisation that drew on their common interests and aesthetic, as well as musical dialogue and interaction in a free setting.

Monday 22ndCentral HallSt Thomas’ Hospital, 1-2pm

Wednesday 31stAtrium 1 Guy’s Hospital, 1-2pm

Markus Michelucci & Sound Refuge

Led by Canadian Markus Michelucci, Sound Refuge is an eclectic mix of performers who come together to play engaging, thoughtful folk music from the calm and reassuring to the passionate and cerebral. They create an alluring world of instrumentation with powerful lead moments, harmonies and hopeful, inspiring lyrics.

10 11


#BreathingSpaces

Shireen Francis

A warm, engaging and soulful performer, London based singer Shireen Francis has developed her own unique blend of jazz with flavours of gospel, blues, calypso and reggae. Performing with some of the country’s top jazz musicians, the combination of Shireen’s stunning, expressive voice coupled with her natural musicianship has delighted audiences all around the world.

Vera The Diva

Take your partners and dance — the floor is open! If you fancy having a ballroom lesson or just want to take a spin round Central Hall, then Vera the Diva & her team of guest partners can work their magic! Merengue, Cha-Cha-Cha or traditional Waltz Come join in! Experienced volunteer partner dancers are on hand to keep you on your toes.


Monday 30thCentral HallSt Thomas’ Hospital, 12.30-1.30pm


Liza Bec

Multi-Instrumentalist Liza will present a special soundscape developed and inspired by a health condition. Liza imagines stories and writes the music to bring them to life. Taking inspiration “from the dark, unswept corners of slightly unhinged minds”, she combines intricate layers of woodwinds and vocals with sprinkles of genres from folk and electroacoustic to rock.

Brea

thin

g Sp

aces

: Sep

tem

ber

SeptemberBreathing Spaces: Live Performances

The Creole Brothers

The Creole Brothers are award winning accordion player Phil Underwood, Charlie Skelton on fiddle, Rob James on guitar and Carole (Lil’ Queenie) Lateman on percussion. Inspired by the Louisiana Creole swamps, they stomp out toe-tapping rhythms, vocal harmonies, soaring twin fiddle numbers and beautiful haunting original compositions.

Monday 2ndCentral HallSt Thomas’ Hospital, 1-2pm


Litsa Tunnah

Litsa Tunnah has quickly established a reputation as a virtuoso concert violinist. Since making her concerto debut at the age of 12 Litsa has appeared as soloist with major orchestras including Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Kensington Sinfonia, St Bartholomew Chamber Orchestra, London International Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.


Karim Kamar

Composer and pianist Karim Kamar is a musician of outstanding quality, with a style similar to contemporary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. Today he performs a selection of his own original compositions — soft and romantic in nature — perfect for peace and tranquillity.

SeptemberBreathing Spaces: Live Performances


#BreathingSpaces

Brea

thin

g Sp

aces

: Sep

tem

ber

Events OverviewSe

pt

Mon 1 July, 6-8pm Trust Harmonix choir rehearsalFind out how to get involved on page 16

Wed 3 July, 1-2pm Nao Maebayashi & Sarah McKenna Guy's

Mon 8 July, 1-2pm Sherika Sherard St Thomas'

Mon 8 July, 6-8pm Trust Harmonix choir rehearsal

Mon 15 July Look out for singing in the building happening in the week Surprise locations across St Thomas'

Mon 15 July, 6-8pm Trust Harmonix choir rehearsalWed 17 July, 11-12.30pm Singing for Breathing Group

Find out how to get involved on page 15Guy’s

Wed 17 July, 1-2pm Sambossa Guy's

Mon 22 July, 1-2pm Smart Arben Duo St Thomas'

Mon 22 July, 6-8pm Trust Harmonix choir rehearsal

Mon 29 July Look out for Breathing Spaces pop-ups during the week Surprise locations across St Thomas'

Mon 29 July, 6-8pm Trust Harmonix choir rehearsalWed 31 July, 1-2pm Markus Michelucci & Sound Refuge Guy's

Mon 5 Aug, 1-2pm Sugar Kings St Thomas'

Mon 5 Aug, 6-8pm Trust Harmonix choir rehearsal

Wed 7 Aug Look out for singing in the building happening in the week Surprise locations across Guy's

Wed 14 Aug, 1-2pm Zong-Zing Guy's

Mon 19 Aug, 1-2pm Balagan Café Band St Thomas'

Wed 21 Aug, 11-12.30pm Singing for Breathing Group

Wed 21 Aug Look out for singing in the building happening in the week Guy's

Wed 28 Aug, 1-2pm Karim Kamar Guy's

Wed 28 Aug, 6-8pm Trust Harmonix choir rehearsal

Mon 2 Sept, 1-2pm The Creole Brothers St Thomas'

Mon 9 Sept Look out for Breathing Spaces pop-ups during the week Surprise locations across St Thomas'

Wed 11 Sept, 1-2pm Litsa Tunnah Guy's

Mon 16 Sept, 1-2pm Shireen Francis St Thomas'

Wed 18 Sept, 1-2pm Liza Bec Guy's

Mon 23 Sept Look out for singing in the building happening in the week St Thomas'

Wed 25 Sept Look out for Breathing Spaces pop-ups during the week Surprise locations across Guy's

Mon 30 Sept, 12.30-1.30pm Vera The Diva St Thomas'

Aug

Jul

Open to allStaff only opportunitiesPatient specific opportunitiesPart of the #ArtsCan public engagement campaign funded by Wellcome Trust highlighting how arts can benefit our health.

Performing Arts Programme

14 15

Loca

tions

Atrium 1

C

AB

Southwark Wing

MainEntrance

UrgentCare

Centre

Atrium 2

D

E

OutpatientPharmacy

BoroughWing

TowerWing

Bermondsey Wing

TabardAnnexe

(Ground Floor only)

F

SouthWing

CentralHall

Governors’Hall Suite

ShepherdHall

B

C

D

NorthWing

MainEntrance

St T

hom

as’

Hou

se

DunhillFitnessCentre

EastWing

LambethWing

A

E

FPharmacy

EmergencyFloor

St Thomas’ HospitalWestminster Bridge RoadLambeth, London SE1 7EH

PerformancesMondays 1-2pmCentral HallSouth Wing

Guy’s HospitalGreat Maze PondLondon SE1 9RT

PerformancesWednesdays 1–2pmAtrium 1Southwark Wing

Locations of Public Performances

Sing

ing

for B

reat

hing

Gro

up

NEW! Singing for Breathing Group

Participatory Projects: Latest News

About

In April 2019 we piloted our new singing programme to support breath control, increase energy and improve confidence for Guy’s and St Thomas’ patients with respiratory conditions.

We are excited to be developing this programme in collaboration with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Respiratory Team — starting with free monthly sessions consisting of fun breathing exercises and songs from around the world, offering patients the opportunity to experience the benefits of singing for lung health.

Upcoming Sessions

17 July, Guy’s Hospital21 August, Guy’s Hospital

For more information on Singing for Breathing or to sign up contact Hannah:

[email protected] 020 3290 2013

16 17

Trus

t Har

mon

ix

Trust Harmonix

About

Trust Harmonix was established to give staff a creative outlet to help combat stress, promote health and wellbeing through singing and create a sense of community amongst NHS colleagues. This is a non-auditioned choir, open to all staff and volunteers across the Trust, who rehearse weekly in an informal, fun and supportive environment.

The staff community choir of Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Now in its second year, led by esteemed choir leader Mike King, this family of singers have performed at a variety of venues including Southbank Centre, recently hosted their own sold out show at the Brunel Museum and collaborated with the Borough Market choir for a unique performance as part of Creativity and Wellbeing week.


Trust Harmonix Richard Eaton

Trus

t Har

mon

ix

Upcoming Performances

Catch Trust Harmonix on Saturday 31st August at St John’s Smith Square as part of My Cool Music Foundation’s Annual Concert: www.sjss.org.uk/events

Join Us — Trust staff and volunteers only!

For upcoming choir rehearsal dates see our Events Overview on page 12 & 13 and contact Tim to sign up:

[email protected] 020 3290 2013breatheahr.org/trust-harmonix


#TrustHarmonix

“There is now this huge focus on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Employers are starting to promote the idea that you should do something that makes you feel better. For me the choir is a safe place to be, a very inspiring place.”Trust Harmonix member

Trust Harmonix Richard Eaton

18 19

Mel

odie

s fo

r Mum

s

Our pioneering programme for mothers with or at risk of postnatal depression.

Melodies for Mums

Melodies for Mums Clare Mallison

About

Drawn from research demonstrating that a 10-week series of workshops of singing and music-making can lead to a 44% reduction in postnatal depression symptoms, Melodies for Mums has engaged over 100 mums across Lambeth and Southwark over six courses.

We are delighted to have established a Melodies for Mums focus group, working with previous participants to help shape the future of this exciting programme. Recent participant Davina represented Breathe Arts Health Research in June by sharing her story at the Creative Health Conference at Southbank Centre as part of Creativity and Wellbeing Week 2019. M

elod

ies

for M

ums


#MelodiesforMums

For more information on Melodies for Mums contact:

[email protected] 3290 2013breatheahr.org/ melodies-for-mums

“Melodies for Mums was the best thing I’ve done so far. It really helped my maternal mental health after birth and supported bonding with my baby.”Melodies for Mums participant

Melodies for Mums Leigha Fearon


BreatheAHRBreatheAHRBreatheAHR

+44 (0)203 290 [email protected] breatheahr.org

SupportGSTTGSTTCharity

+44 (0) 20 7089 4550 [email protected] gsttcharity.org.uk

performing arts events & news - breatheahr.org€¦ · performing arts events & news...

Documents