Me2/Orchestra Launches Music Residency at Shattuck Hospital

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Me2/Orchestra in performance last spring at Shattuck Hospital

Me2/Orchestra will be the Orchestra-in-Residence at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital during the 2016-2017 concert season, presenting three concerts on-site for patients and their family members.

Me2/Orchestra in performance last spring at Shattuck Hospital

Me2/Orchestra in performance last spring at Shattuck Hospital

The orchestra’s residency kicks off with a performance on Monday, October 24 at 7:30 pm in the hospital’s Turville Auditorium. The performance is free and open to members of the Shattuck community, including patients, physicians, staff and family members.

Me2/Orchestra’s mission is to erase the stigma surrounding mental illness through supportive classical music ensembles and inspiring performances. The orchestra currently consists of 35 musicians, many of whom are living with a mental illness. Their conductor, Ronald Braunstein, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder more than three decades ago. He founded the Me2/ organization in 2011 as a way of supporting others who strive to maintain good mental health.

Lemuel Shattuck Hospital is located at 170 Morton Street in Jamaica Plain. The hospital is operated by the State of Masachusetts.

“We are excited about this opportunity to bring live music to our patients during the coming months,” said Joel Skolnick, Chief Operating Officer of the Shattuck Hospital. “It is especially wonderful to have musicians living with mental illnesses share their talents and stories with our patients currently receiving mental health care.”

The orchestra’s program on October 24 will consist of works by Brahms, Rossini, Bizet and Dvorak. The presentation will include a brief Q&A period when audience members can ask questions of the performers. This is often a lively exchange, including discussions about everything from musical instruments to the sharing of mental health diagnoses.

Me2/Orchestra will return to the Shattuck Hospital for full orchestra performances in January and May 2017.

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