Thanks to support from Denver Arts & Venues and Vesna, live classical music reaches patients, families, and healthcare heroes.
This April, the Colorado Symphony and Denver Young Artists Orchestra (DYAO) brought the power of live music to the heart of Denver’s healthcare community through a special three-stop hospital performance series. Thanks to a community impact grant from Denver Arts & Venues and sponsorship from Vesna, the series featured intimate, side-by-side performances by a student string quartet from DYAO and a professional quartet from the Colorado Symphony, creating meaningful moments of joy and offering a brief reprieve for patients at three major medical facilities: Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Health, and Rose Medical Center.
Each performance offered more than just beautiful music – it was a chance to foster connection and deliver hope through artistry, particularly in places where healing is paramount.
Children’s Hospital Colorado | April 22
The series began at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where music filled the brightly lit atrium with warmth and energy. Designed to offer a sense of calm and distraction for pediatric patients and their families, the performance created a welcoming atmosphere that helped patients and families temporarily step away from their medical journeys. Nurses and doctors stopped by with patients in tow, some in wheelchairs and others clutching stuffed animals, drawn in by the expressive sound of strings.
In addition to the joint lobby performance, individual musicians from each group also performed on many of the floors, including just outside the mother/newborn wing.
One parent shared, “It was the first time my daughter smiled all week. Music makes such a difference in this environment.”
“It was the first time my daughter smiled all week. Music makes such a difference in this environment.”
Children’s Hospital Colorado Patient Parent
Denver Health | April 23
At Denver Health, the music resonated with both staff and patients in a high-paced, high-stakes environment. This performance served not just as a cultural offering but as a wellness moment for frontline caregivers. The concert provided a rare opportunity for reflection amid busy schedules, giving doctors, nurses, and patients a shared experience of peace and beauty. The music was also broadcast into 550 patient rooms across the campus.
“We’re so excited to have classical music played for our patients because we know that classical music can really help patients with their healing,” said Grace Ray, Denver Health Manager of Service Excellence. “Research shows that classical music can reduce stress levels, reduce pain levels and boost immune systems. Even with those benefits aside, it’s just a joyful experience, and we’re excited to share it with our patients. We are grateful for the Colorado Symphony and the Denver Young Artists Orchestra for coming to Denver Health and giving our patients such a memorable experience.”
“Music is so personal to each individual,” said Mary Cowell, Fixed 3rd Chair Viola. “Seeing the reactions on the faces of the patients, doctors, and hospital staff was humbling. They were so grateful to be in the room with us, as we were with them. Bringing live music to those who can’t get to it is a gift we are so fortunate to give.”
Administrators praised the collaboration, noting the positive mental health impact it had on their team. One caregiver said, “Just fifteen minutes of music changed the tone of my entire day.”
Rose Medical Center | April 30
The final stop at Rose Medical Center capped off the series with an outpouring of appreciation from both hospital staff and long-term care patients. Held in a quiet corner of the hospital’s main lobby, the performance invited passersby to pause, breathe, and listen. For some recovering patients, it was their first time outside their rooms in days. For staff, the music served as a gentle reminder of self-care and humanity.
A Rose staff member remarked, “This is the kind of care we can’t prescribe, but we can feel. We’re so grateful to have been part of this.”
“This is the kind of care we can’t prescribe, but we can feel. We’re so grateful to have been part of this.”
Rose Medical Center Employee
A Musical Bridge Across Generations and Professions
This collaboration between DYAO and the Colorado Symphony not only nurtured young talent through real-world performance opportunities but also highlighted the Symphony’s ongoing commitment to community wellness and outreach. It reminded all involved that music can be a vital part of healing.
“This project is a beautiful expression of what we strive for in our community partnerships,” said Breanna McCaughey, Director of Community Education for the Colorado Symphony. “Our goal is to bring music outside the concert hall and into places where it can make a real difference. These hospital visits are among the most impactful performances we do all year.”
Kelly Waltrip, Executive Director of DYAO, emphasized the unique value this offered the organization’s young musicians: “Our students not only grew musically by playing alongside Symphony professionals, they also learned the deeper purpose of their art. Performing in these hospital settings taught them that music can be a powerful tool for empathy, care, and connection.”
Special thanks to Denver Arts & Venues and Vesna for their generous support, and to the staff and patients at Children’s Hospital Colorado, Denver Health, and Rose Medical Center for welcoming these musical moments with open hearts.
DYAO x Colorado Symphony Alliance
In July of 2018, DYAO and the Colorado Symphony renewed a commitment to pursuing our shared mission value of music education in a strategic partnership that enables both entities to maximize impact, reach, and resources.
