On Wednesday, St. Mary’s Hospital, in collaboration with pianist Alexandra Stréliski, unveiled a virtual reality concert project for its patients.
This technological initiative aims to demonstrate the potential of this type of intervention, with the hope that it may one day become a standard of care in healthcare settings and beyond, the hospital explained in a press release.
The project is led by Dr. Julia Chabot, a geriatrician and former classical singer who is interested in the effects of music.
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The goal they say is “to offer everyone the opportunity to experience a concert as a way to escape, refocus, or simply treat themselves to a moment of beauty.”
With this first virtual reality concert by Alexandra Stréliski, Dr. Chabot is launching the creation of a catalog of virtual reality concerts in hopes of building an evolving collection of musical experiences that will allow “everyone to access music that resonates with their life experiences and needs.”
Accessible in virtual format via VR headsets, the catalog is designed to support patients throughout their care journey, officials explained.
Beyond the hospital setting, it will also be available to anyone seeking peace and quiet or a chance to refocus. The project also paves the way for a new form of cultural outreach, promoting the visibility and influence of Quebec and Canadian artists. Alexandra Stréliski is the first artist to participate in the project.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
