Health:Pitch is the living proof that opera isn’t just "relevant" - it’s transformative in spaces people would least expect!
But is what we do opera? We’re not entirely sure. But it works!
A pioneering initiative that specialises in designing experiential events, performances and workshops that are stimulating, relevant, sociable and lead to a sense of togetherness to:
- catalyse connections and partnerships between diverse stakeholders and sectors
- promote awareness in how they are intertwined and important in helping people to feel emotionally safe and well
- demonstrate how, when cross-sector stakeholders join up, they can better address some of the most complex intractable problems such as moral injury and burnout*, loneliness and social isolation** within community contexts.
Since 2017 we have reached over 12 000 diverse audiences in health and social care settings, in isolated communities and beyond. We have presented at universities and conferences in the UK and abroad, including The Royal College of Psychiatrist’s General Adult Faculty conference in Belfast and The Future of Music and Arts in Medicine in Health congress in Berlin. All our work is backed up by lived experience and academic research.
Central to the success of our innovative approach is the operatic voice, despite us typically working where opera is unfamiliar. For example, our current project connects construction and opera! See article on Health:Pitch in The Royal College of Psychiatrists “Insight Magazine”, under ‘Bright Idea’.
Founded by a former intensive care physiotherapist, this pioneering initiative brings together rich, cross-sector expertise and lived experience of key roleplayers working closely together.
Health:Pitch is a distinct fund within the UK registered charity Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action, 1122095.
* Health Worker Burnout Advisory
** WHO landmark report on Social Connection
“The impact of H:P: the concept, production, delivery and engagement with the audience was first class and has established a high bar for other engagements with targeted audiences.”
Health and Wellbeing, Community Area Network
“Although it was a scripted performance, the audience felt included and not intimidated by the top class performers.“
Psychiatrist
“Loneliness, mental health. The Audition is an immediate mood changer.”
Mental health project director
“Your enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s heartwarming to see that you’ve found something that melds Opera with health. I’m grateful to have shared this Music and the Mind platform with you.”
Renée Fleming
“Uplifting, surprising, great concept in terms of story. Easy production practicalities.“
Arts practitioner
“The element of surprise. You just didn’t know what was coming next. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn’t you and us, you and us… everyone just seemed to join in together and enjoy it.”
Patient (ex-corporate), acute mental health ward
“Looked at health in a different way. Think outside the box.”
Academic, UCL Centre for Co-production in Health Research
"The opera was one of the best events I’ve ever seen! Brilliant."
International Delegate at National Care Forum Conference 2018
“It is rare for live music of such high calibre to be brought into care settings despite high-level research showing the huge need for such initiatives.”
Social Care Consultant
“Musically superb, script and acting amazing and light-hearted, result was both entertaining and moving.”
Actor
“The impact was the joyful human connection and the demonstration of beauty inherent in people that was most affecting and precious. In my professional roles, I understood in a much more immediate way the power of the sung voice to heal wounded souls.”
Palliative Care Consultant
“Music connects, quality of music is really important. Joyful!“
GP
“The Opera was absolutely fantastic and people I know who attended are still talking about it now, and telling others too. One of the best afternoons ever!”
Local Area Coordinator, Public Health
“What an absolute privilege to be part of the event. It was fantastic and despite the great build up you gave it still exceeded expectations. Such great entertainment and such energised discussions. I came away with my head buzzing with ideas and the energy of the others in the great group you pulled together.”
Chairman, CommonAge
“The performers are superb. They touch the souls of their audience, and invite them into their story... spellbound as they journey and empathise with the performers. They sing, they laugh, they cry, and that is what good art is all about – connecting with people, allowing them to feel, to express, and to witness beauty.”
Artistic Director of Celebrate Voice
“The Audition is special in its simplicity and courage – so effective in this minimal staging.”
Dame Emma Kirkby
We are always grateful for your support!
