Earlier this month, a group of our professional musicians had the honour of attending the King’s Community Music Makers Reception at Windsor Castle, a special event celebrating the important role music plays in bringing communities together.
Margaret Lion, pianist and long-standing Music in Hospitals & Care musician, was among those in attendance and shares her reflections on the event:
“The reception was a very happy event, which brought everyone together – well over 100 people by my estimate. The King looked to be in great spirits as he joined the London Vegetable Orchestra to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on a carrot recorder!”
Margaret adds:
“It was such an honour to meet His Majesty in person. His response to my mention of Music in Hospitals & Care made it clear that he knew of us well and held the charity in warm regard.”
During the reception, guests enjoyed a series of live performances, including music from the Royal Opera House Songs for Ukraine Chorus, as well as the Royal College of Music and the Sing for Freedom Choir. Proceedings were compered by BBC Radio 3 presenter and Music in Hospitals & Care Vice President, Katie Derham.
Our musicians, singer Laura Stephenson, kora player Rudy Green, and banjo player Dan Walsh also attended the event representing Music in Hospitals & Care.
Laura explains:
“It’s a once in a lifetime event and it was a privilege to be part of it and to speak to other people in this community.”
Laura adds:
“I spoke to a 20-year-old girl who works at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff. She told me how she’d started drama classes there as a young teenager and how much she had grown and developed in confidence and capability. She decided against a career as an actor and instead opted for supporting young people and encouraging their growth.”
Also in attendance from the Royal Family was the Duchess of Gloucester, patron of Music in Hospitals & Care since 1999. Laura explains:
“I met various people including a previous deputy private secretary to the King. When he found out that I was there with Music in Hospitals & Care, and I explained that the Duchess of Gloucester was our patron, he insisted on introducing me to her, which was a delight.”
Speaking about the breadth of musical talent at the event, Margaret adds:
“There were many others involved in music from different communities, and the time seemed to get more and more fulfilling with each new person or group I talked to.”
We were thrilled to be part of this event celebrating all forms of community music. We were able to share our passion for live music and its unique ability to create connection, especially for those in hospitals, care homes, and community groups across the UK.
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Read our latest annual report
In 2025/26 we focused on setting the right note for the future. Despite a challenging landscape, we are proud of what we have been able to achieve with your support.