Music reaches patients

A group of children is playing the violin during a Christmas concert. They are standing in a row in front of music stands, some wearing red Santa hats. In the background, a microphone and a speaker are visible, and in front of the stage, the audience is seated.
Patients of the WUM Oncology Clinic were treated to an exceptional Christmas carol concert. It was an intimate event, yet one filled with joy, strength, and hope. Performing for patients and their families were Justyna Sieńczyłło, Maciej Makowski, and students of the Henryk Wieniawski State Primary Music School No. 5 in Warsaw, conducted by Anna Szot. The harp was played by Julia Subramanian.

The idea of bringing Christmas carols to patients was initiated by Prof. Rafał Stec, Head of the Oncology Clinic, together with actress Justyna Sieńczyłło. A similar carol concert was held last year and was received so positively that the organizers decided to continue the tradition. 

Students from the music school performed Polish carols such as Przybieżeli do Betlejem, Lulajże Jezuniu, Wśród nocnej ciszy, and Bóg się rodzi. The young artists not only played but also encouraged everyone to sing together loudly, so that the carols echoed through the corridors and reached every ward of the clinic. Thanks to the music, patients could come together with one another, with clinic staff, and with their loved ones, who also attended the concert. 

In addition to patients and their families, the joint carol singing was attended by Jolanta Sobierańska-Grenda, Minister of Health; Konrad Korbiński, Director General at the Ministry of Health; and Dr. Filip Nowak, President of the National Health Fund (NFZ). Representatives of the WUM authorities were also present, including Prof. Rafał Krenke, Rector; Prof. Agnieszka Cudnoch-Jędrzejewska, Vice-Rector for Clinical Affairs and Investments; Prof. Marek Kuch, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education; and Prof. Paweł Włodarski, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. The concert was also attended by Marzena Kowalczyk, Director of the UCK WUM, as well as heads of UCK WUM clinics.

Music will return to patients very soon. On February 4, World Cancer Day, a concert is planned in the auditorium of the WUM Teaching Center. It will be hosted by Prof. Rafał Stec and Justyna Sieńczyłło, with performances by artists such as Danuta Błażejczyk, Małgorzata Stępień, and Izabella Trojanowska. Admission is free.
 

An elegantly dressed person is standing next to a piano decorated with Christmas ornaments and holding a microphone. In the background, there are green plants on the wall, a bookshelf, and music stands.
A man in an elegant suit is holding a microphone and talking to a woman dressed in a black dress and a red plaid jacket. The conversation is taking place in a bright room with white walls decorated with green leaves. In the background, a music stand and a microphone stand are visible.
A group of people, including women and men, is sitting in a hall during a formal event. The participants are dressed elegantly in suits and business attire; some are holding documents or meeting programs, while others are applauding.
A group of people is in a bright room during an official event or presentation. In the foreground, participants are seated holding documents, while in the background, several people are standing near the door, photographing or recording the meeting with smartphones and cameras.
A group of children in festive outfits is performing a concert in a small hall, playing pieces on violins and cellos accompanied by a piano. In the background, there is a decoration made of green leaves and garlands, and Christmas figurines are placed on the piano.
A group of people is sitting on chairs in a bright room resembling a conference hall. In the first row, a man in a suit is holding documents, next to him a woman wearing a black blazer and a red dress. In the background, more people can be seen.
A woman in a red dress is playing an electric harp decorated with green lights, standing in front of a black piano adorned with Christmas ornaments. On the piano, there are figurines and garlands.
A group of children in red outfits is playing the violin and clarinet during a Christmas concert. In front of them are music stands, and in the background, a piano and green plant decorations can be seen, emphasizing the festive character of the event.
In the foreground, there are string instruments — a violin and a cello — held by children preparing for a performance. In the center of the frame, a man in an elegant suit with a tie is seated.
A concert taking place in a hospital lobby. The audience is seated on chairs arranged in several rows, while some people are standing at the back. In the first row, there are individuals in elegant outfits holding sheets of paper.
A man in an elegant blazer is playing the piano during an intimate concert. Next to him is an electronic keyboard, and in the background, observers can be seen, including a woman recording with her phone and a child in a red dress holding a violin.