Doctors from Glasgow hospitals are set to swap wards, clinics and operating theatres for the concert stage when they perform in the city to raise money for children with life-shortening conditions.
Clinicians from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, including specialists from the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and Glasgow Royal Infirmary, will join colleagues from across Europe as part of the European Doctors’ Orchestra (EDO) for a special fundraising concert in aid of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
The performance will take place at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on Sunday 27 September and is expected to bring together talented medical professionals from across the continent who share a passion for music as well as medicine.
Among those helping to organise the event is Dr Arthur Doyle, Consultant Renal Physician at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and concertmaster of the European Doctors’ Orchestra. He is joined by GP Dr Samantha Ross and retired doctors Professor Kenneth Paterson and Dr Tom Barrie.
The orchestra will also feature Miss Tina Ha, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, who performs as a violinist.
Tina said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to perform with the European Doctors’ Orchestra since I was a foundation doctor, with concerts taking me to cities across Europe including Ljubljana, Rotterdam and Essen.
“Glasgow will be my first concert as a consultant and my eighth performance with the orchestra, so it feels particularly special to be playing in my home city while supporting the incredible work carried out by CHAS.”
Unlike many charity performances, members of the orchestra cover their own travel and accommodation expenses and contribute towards professional concert costs, helping to maximise the amount raised for charity.
The concert will feature works by Dvořák and Brahms and showcase musicians who spend their working lives caring for patients in hospitals, GP practices and healthcare settings across Europe.
Dr Arthur Doyle said: “Medicine and music are both disciplines that require dedication, teamwork and lifelong learning. It’s a privilege to bring together doctors from across Europe to perform in Glasgow and raise money for such an important cause.
“We’re particularly delighted that this year’s concert will support CHAS and that colleagues from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will be performing in front of a home audience.”
Funds raised will support CHAS, which provides expert care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.
Tickets are available through Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
