Grammy award winning pianist Christopher Glynn becomes MiHC Vice President

Christopher Glynn, Rachel Podger and Kathryn Rudge with Music in Hospitals & Care Chief Executive Barbara Osborne and the Bösendorfer piano.

Music in Hospitals & Care welcomes Grammy award winning pianist Christopher Glynn as Vice President.

Christopher will join President Sir Thomas Allen CBE and fellow Vice Presidents Katie Derham, Dame Evelyn Glennie CH DBE, Prof Julian Lloyd Webber, Dame Felicity Lott CBE, Dame Vera Lynn CH DBE, Toby Spence and Sir Richard Stilgoe OBE in supporting the charity.

The announcement follows a special fundraising event for Music in Hospitals & Care at the Royal Northern College of Music last week, which featured Christopher and renowned Baroque violinist Rachel Podger performing Beethoven’s violin sonatas with 19th century instruments that reflect Beethoven’s ideal. Critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano (and RNCM alumna) Kathryn Rudge also made a guest appearance to perform lieder songs by Richard Strauss with accompaniment from Christopher.

The instruments included a Bösendorfer piano from 1872, which became the fourth star of the night with its fascinating history. Originally crafted in Vienna, it was shipped to Budapest where it lived until 1988 before being restored in Enschede, Netherlands. The restoration revealed shrapnel imbedded in the casework, thought to be from the First World War. Now in London, it tours to feature in various concerts and recordings.

Music in Hospitals & Care visits hospitals, hospices, care homes, day centres, special schools and community settings with professional musicians, who are chosen for their skills in communication and music delivery for a range of healthcare settings. These bespoke music sessions bring joyful memories and special moments for participants, their families and care staff whilst reducing isolation, anxiety and transforming healthcare spaces.

“I’m full of admiration for the work of Music in Hospitals & Care, having seen at first-hand the therapeutic benefits of live music, and how it brings comfort, respite and joy to those who are unwell. It is a wonderful charity and I’m very pleased to be able to support its work.” – Christopher Glynn.

The charity currently delivers almost 5,000 live performances and music sessions a year, which reach over 90,000 people and rely upon charitable donations. The President and Vice Presidents help to raise awareness and provide support to fundraising activities.

“We are delighted that Christopher has agreed to become a Vice President for Music in Hospitals & Care. The charity is lucky to have a great network of volunteers who are passionate about the charity having seen first hand the benefits of live music for those receiving care or treatment.” – Barbara Osborne, Chief Executive.

Find out more about our President and Vice Presidents.