Bringing Music to Blossom Children’s Ward at Craigavon Area Hospital

In recent weeks, the Blossom Children’s Ward at Craigavon Area Hospital has been filled with the sound of music.

The Ulster Orchestra have been hosting unique two-hour music sessions at the ward, led by freelance musician Cecily Smith Nesbitt and one of the Orchestra's violinists Zuzanna Edmonds, and sponsored by Ulster Carpets.  

“Coming into hospital can be stressful and worrying but these music sessions have really brought a sense of calm,” says Linzi Hughes, Ward Manager at Blossom Children’s Ward. “We have some very busy clinics at this time of year, including with a lot of children with complex needs, so it has been a lovely experience for them all to enjoy.” 

Ulster Orchestra freelance musician, Cecily Smith Nesbitt, who regularly delivers learning and community engagement activity for the Orchestra, leads this project which forms one part of the Orchestra’s wider learning and community engagement activity across Northern Ireland. The project made its return to Blossom Ward after a successful pilot earlier in the year.


Above: Cecily Smith Nesbitt (right) and Zuzanna Edmonds (left) perform for patients and their caregivers at the Blossom Ward during Ulster Orchestra music sessions, sponsored by Ulster Carpets.

“We’re delighted to be back,” says Lucy McCullagh, Ulster Orchestra’s Head of Community Engagement and Grants. “Enabling children and their caregivers to connect to music during a hospital stay or in the waiting room offers an uplifting distraction for worried minds and facilitates connection between people. Thanks to Ulster Carpets for their support in making this project possible.”

Ulster Carpets have been a long-term supporter of the Ulster Orchestra’s community engagement work.

Nick Coburn, Managing Director, commented, “We are proud to support such a wonderful initiative. Bringing a child into hospital is extremely worrying for everyone involved but these music sessions by the talented Ulster Orchestra musicians are making such a positive difference.”

Above: Staff at Blossom Children’s Ward with musicians Cecily Smith Nesbitt and Zuzanna Edmonds who hosted unique two-hour music sessions at the Children’s Ward. Also included are Zoe Coakley, Ulster Orchestra, and Dalreen Buchanan of sponsors, Ulster Carpets.