Our Story

Boston Hope Music (BHM) was the inspiration of Dr. Ronald Hirschberg (Physiatrist; Chief Medical Officer, Boston Hope Medical Center; Musician) and Dr. Lisa Wong (Pediatrician; Co-Director, Arts and Humanities Initiative at Harvard Medical School; Musician).

BHM was one of the wellness programs offered to patients at Boston Hope Medical Center (a field hospital in Boston established to care for patients recovering from COVID-19) to augment the healing process. Through their efforts and those of representatives from Eureka Ensemble and Winsor Music, more than 100 area musicians submitted video recordings and personal messages that were curated into 30-minute playlists. These playlists were offered to patients (via donated tablets and headsets), as well as health care and other Medical Center employees, three times a day under the headings of Energy, Engagement, and Evening Calm. After the field hospital closed, we held a thank you gathering for the musicians who donated, with a guest appearance by Yo-Yo Ma.

After the success of this program in spring 2020, the team reached out to the New England Conservatory and Massachusetts General Hospital to design a new program focusing on the needs of frontline healthcare workers, connecting them with artists from the Community Performances and Partnerships (CPP) Teaching Fellowship at NEC for private lessons on instruments of their choice. Our 6-week fall program was well-received both by MGH participants as well as by the NEC student-teachers, who during a semester of virtual learning had an opportunity to teach and share their love and knowledge of music.