Spotlight: HSC Public Piano Holiday Performance
There’s nothing like some festive tunes to help get you into the spirit this time of year.
Business & Arts NL invites you to join performers Julia Halfyard and Hannah Wadman-Scanlan for a very special holiday performance at the Health Sciences Centre public piano on Wednesday, December 20 at 12 pm.
The piano, sponsored by Avalon Laboratories, was painted by local visual artist Louise Markus with a design that embodies the comfort and warmth of a traditional Newfoundland quilt.
Artist Louise Markus stands next to the public piano at the Health Sciences Centre during its launch in May of 2018.
The “Come Play With Me” public piano program strives to create moments of beauty and connection in our busy lives, bringing members of the community together through music. And next week’s performance will be no exception.
Halfyard says it’s all about embracing music and the important role it plays in health and happiness - especially fitting considering the piano’s placement in a hospital, and the fact that Halfyard’s musical partner, Wadman-Scanlan, is currently a medical student at Memorial University (and a graduate of Memorial's School of Music).
“Music, singing and art making is really good for our souls, and really good for our health, and really good for our community,” says Halfyard (who, in addition to performing, is also known for the instant choirs she leads around the city, the next taking place at The Rooms at 12:30pm on December 17).
There’s currently a big focus on community involvement and engagement to increase health and happiness as well, Halfyard adds, and it’s something to which both she and Wadman-Scanlan are committed. To that end, she hopes their performance will engage and inspire others to join them.
“It's really nice for people to sit down and listen to us. That's awesome. But wouldn't it be lovelier for people to sit down and listen, and also sing along?” Halfyard says.
“We'll encourage people to sing 'Silent Night,’ or we might teach them a harmony…and hopefully we'll get a nice little sing-along happening there. I think that would be quite beautiful for the community.”
Ultimately, she hopes their holiday performance will add some comfort and joy to people’s day.
“Hopefully people will enjoy it and get into the Christmas spirit.”
Help us ring in the holidays at the Health Sciences Centre public piano on December 20 at 12 pm. Everyone is welcome!