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Britten Sinfonia visit Addenbrooke’s Hospital every month bringing classically trained musicians to our wards and public spaces. They have delighted patients and staff with varied music across the whole spectrum of instruments, bringing moments of calm and warm conversations.

When presenting live music in our hospitals we want to ensure that patients visitors and staff have a quality experience, and for that reason we work with partners who demonstrate a high level of skill in their field. Not only do we trust that they are skilful musicians, but they are also confident in connecting with patients, engaging them in conversations and creating a positive music experience that reminds people of their own tastes and creativity, adding a positive memory to time that is framed by ill health and vulnerability.

Britten Sinfonia have contributed to many of our programmes such as Alzheimer’s Awareness Day, Play in Healthcare Week and our annual staff CUH Arts Festival.

A musician plays the flute on a ward. Britten Sinfonia

Music by the bedside

Sarah plays the flute at a patient's bedside.

A patient and visitor applaud a music performance on the ward. Music by the bedside

"It was beautiful, lovely and relaxing. You've just made my day."

Patient at CUH.

A musician plays the harp on a ward. Britten Sinfonia

Music on the wards

Milo plays the harp for patients on wards.

A patient sits upright in bed on a NHS ward. Music on the wards

"The impact is very noticeable, patients faces light up."

CUH staff member.

A musician plays the harp in a public space at Addenbrooke's. Britten Sinfonia

Music on the concourse

Julia plays the cello in Addenbrooke's public concourse.

Two musicians play brass instruments. Music on the concourse

"I love to hear music, it takes me to another place."

Patient at CUH.

Two musicians play outside for a staff arts festival. Britten Sinfonia

CUH Arts Festival

Britten Sinfonia play for staff as part of our annual CUH Arts Festival.

NHS Staff listen to music outside. CUH Arts Festival

"I feel relaxed and uplifted...it made a difference to my team."

CUH staff member.

Musicians play for patients in a hospital ward. Britten Sinfonia

Britten Sinfonia Residency

In March 2024, Britten Sinfonia joined CUH Arts for a 3 day Residency collaborating with patients and staff.

Find out more (opens in a new tab)
Musicians play for patients in a hospital ward. BrittenSinfonia Residency

"It was fantastic to hear and be involved in the music."

Patient at CUH.

A musician plays disney songs on her violin. Britten Sinfonia

Play in Healthcare Week

Miranda plays Disney songs on her violin in a children's ward.

A child patient listens to music. Play in Healthcare Week

"Music calms my daughter who feels tense coming to hospital."

Patient's parent at CUH.

A patient dances to music with a NHS staff member Britten Sinfonia

Alzheimer's Awareness Day

A patient dances to music in a medicine for the elderly ward.

Three musicians play on a ward. Alzheimer's Awareness Day

"Music has helped reduce the pain this patient was experiencing."

CUH staff member.

Britten Sinfonia

We’re seeing that the effect their music has on patients has been magical and inspiring. Watching people clap hands, tap their feet and sing along with the music - the power of musical intervention is priceless.

Catherine Pride, Dementia Specialist Nurse at CUH.