NHS Lanarkshire has struck a chord with the launch of its very own staff orchestra.
Video of the first rehearsal with the orchestra playing Radetzky March composed by Johann Strauss.
The orchestra, which is thought to be the first NHS staff orchestra in Scotland, was the brainchild of Dr Evelyn Ferguson, Consultant Obstetrician, at University Hospital Wishaw.
Evelyn explained: “I thought, there must be lots of colleagues across NHS Lanarkshire who play music.
“There is a staff choir, but I can’t sing, so I thought, let’s go for an orchestra and see how we get on and that’s how it was born.”
The orchestra already has its first performance lined up – providing entertainment at the NHS Lanarkshire Staff Awards in Hamilton this October.
Evelyn, who plays the violin, and two colleagues – Suzanne Smith, Speech and Language therapist, also a violinist, and Dr Stephanie Dancer, Consultant Microbiologist, who plays the bassoon, are also members of the Stirling Orchestra.
The Stirling Orchestra were one of the five amateur orchestras to reach the grand final of the BBC programme ‘All Together Now: The Great Orchestra Challenge’ back in 2016. This TV series aimed to find the orchestras that captures the spirit of great amateur music-making in the UK.
Experienced conductor and violinist, Mark Wilson, has also joined the staff orchestra project, bringing a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm.
The orchestra members, who rehearse outwith working hours, are looking beyond the staff awards ceremony and hope to bring music to hospital foyers at Christmas and explore more ambitious concerts in the future.
Speaking after the first rehearsal, Evelyn said: “It’s great to get your instrument out the box, dust off the cobwebs, and just get started. We’ve got lots of really talented colleagues who want to be involved and it’ll be exciting to see how the orchestra grows.
“There’s something uplifting about making music as a group, supporting each other, and finding that shared sense of achievement – it’s a real boost for our mental health and wellbeing.”
The orchestra, which has received financial support from the NHS Lanarkshire Endowment Fund, is open to all Lanarkshire health and care staff. Whether you play strings, woodwind, brass, or percussion, they love to hear from you.
Lesley McDonald, Chair of the NHS Lanarkshire Endowment Trustees, said: “We’re delighted to support such a fantastic initiative through the Endowment Fund. The orchestra not only brings people together in a creative and uplifting way, but also enhances staff wellbeing – something that ultimately benefits both colleagues and patients.”
To ensure a good standard of play, the orchestra is looking for musicians who are at least Grade 5 standard.
Evelyn added: “We welcome all instruments, we even have an accordionist, and we’d particularly love to hear from you if you play cello, viola, bass, trombone and percussion.”
If you’re interested, please email Evelyn.Ferguson@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk, stating your instrument and playing level.
