Alder Hey and Liverpool Philharmonic partnership continues to thrive
Alder Hey Children’s Charity and Alder Hey Arts for Health are proud to be working alongside Liverpool Philharmonic to bring incredible music opportunities to children and young people at Alder Hey, as our ground-breaking partnership continues to make a difference for many of our long-term patients.
Alder Hey and Liverpool Philharmonic began a partnership in spring this year; fully funded by Alder Hey Children’s Charity. The programme brings the renowned Philharmonic musicians into the hospital for a series of ward-based workshops working directly with young people and their families as well as pop up performances across the hospital and atrium performance space. The Philharmonic are also working with the Alder Hey Youth Forum to curate the Christmas concert which the musicians will perform in December.
Bassoon player Gareth Twigg has been coming to Alder Hey for the past two months to play for children and young people on Ward 1C. Gareth, who is a musician by trade, told us of his pride of being able to come and have the impact that he does at Alder Hey. Gareth said: “It is so touching to see all the patients, families and even the babies just forget that they are in hospital just for a few minutes and connect with the music. The fact that I get to share this with them is something I am really proud of.”
We caught up with Gareth during a visit to our Cardiac Unit, where he was taking a session with seven-month-old Aaron. Aaron was born with Heterotaxy syndrome, also known as single ventricle syndrome, which is a condition where the patient has a single right ventricle and atrioventricular valve, requiring the heart to work harder to pump blood around the body. After he was born at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Aaron was transported to Alder Hey where he underwent his first surgery at just one day old. Since then, he has had a further operation and has currently been staying at the hospital for one month during his recovery.
Liverpool Philharmonic bassoon player Gareth Twigg with seven-month-old Aaron.
Seven-month-old Aaron.
Aaron’s mum, Silni, told us that the music sessions run through the Philharmonic have had such a positive effect on Aaron during his time at Alder Hey, a sight that was evident from his bubbliness and near-constant smiling during our visit. Silni said: “Aaron loves the music; he moves along to the sounds and is always smiling when he is listening. It is so nice to see him smile and enjoy himself like this after everything he has been through.”
Alder Hey Children’s Charity is so grateful to everyone at Liverpool Philharmonic for the incredible work they do for children and young people at Alder Hey. The partnership between the Philharmonic and Alder Hey is a special one between two vital institutions in our city, and Alder Hey Children’s Charity is proud to support this magical partnership.