Music for Health Program Expansion

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Music for Health program has reached an exciting new milestone, expanding its performances into care homes operated by Mission Australia and HammondCare. Made possible through the generous support of the F&K De Angeli Foundation, the program continues its commitment to engaging audiences who may otherwise be unable to access live orchestral music, including individuals who have experienced or are at risk of homelessness.  

Across three performances, Sydney Symphony Orchestra musicians delivered high‑quality, thoughtfully curated concerts designed to meet the needs of aged care residents. Bringing music directly into familiar, accessible environments allows residents to enjoy live performance regardless of mobility, health concerns, financial limitations, or social isolation. These intimate musical experiences offer not only artistic enrichment, but also moments of connection, comfort, and community. 

Each visit brought its own memorable moments. At Mission Australia Annie Green Court, a string quartet performed music ranging from Vivaldi and Schubert to Moon River and Down Under, prompting happy tears, quiet sing‑alongs and even some enthusiastic conducting from the audience. Another resident, who once sang with the Sydney Symphony as a child, waited eagerly from early morning for the concert to begin.  

Further performances at Charles Chambers Court and HammondCare Darlinghurst continued to demonstrate the power of music to spark joy and engagement, with residents dressing for the occasion, moving freely through the space and reconnecting with repertoire originally heard in the Concert Hall. Through this expansion, Music for Health is ensuring that the transformative impact of live music reaches even more corners of the community — where it is often needed most.