At Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, we pride ourselves on caring for the whole person, not just treating their disease. In 2016, Dr. Emma O'Brien OAM saw the opportunity to enhance patient care and wellbeing. How?... Through music. Dr. O’Brien introduced the Music in Health program as a holistic offering to uplift the spirits and well-being of our patients.
One of these initiatives was the Music Therapy program, which aims to create a therapeutic and emotionally healing experience for our patients while they are undergoing cancer treatment.
Another initiative is the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Choir. A warm and welcoming community that bonds over their love for music. The Choir is open to both patients and their loved ones, regardless of their musical experience. All voices are warmly welcomed, fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging.
Leading our unique and beloved Choir is our talented and enthusiastic Choir Master, Robert Teicher, whose passion for music started in his childhood. His father was his idol and a leading Opera singer across Eastern Europe and Russia, so Robert chose to follow in his footsteps with a career in music.
The energy Robert brings to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Choir is infectious and radiates across the foyer. When the music starts to play it radiates so much joy, we see a spring in the steps of people going by and just, for a moment, make you forget that you are inside a hospital. In that moment you feel warm with a strong sense of support and community.
“We are so lucky to have him conducting us, our Choir would be very different without him.”- Helena Tonkin
Robert has a natural ability to engage with people from all walks of life including a Governor General, a Minister for Health, CEOs, the desperately ill, the newly bereaved and anyone else who decides to sit in a chair and join us. His dedication and support make the Choir a safe and therapeutic space.
“He lifts my spirits every Thursday.” - Helena Tonkin
Last year he led the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Choir on Channel 7’s Australia’s Got Talent, giving Choir participants the confidence to perform in front of thousands of people and receive a standing ovation.
The choirs' talents are not limited to performing on national television; they recently sang for the opening day of a National Radiation Oncology Conference at the International Conference Centre; and aspire to one day perform at the Sydney Opera House.
Thanks to the generous support of our donor community, we are incredibly lucky to have our Music in Health programs like Music Therapy and the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Choir so Robert can utilise his talents as a therapy for our patients.
Singing is a physical exercise, a joining together and simply – a joy. Will you come along one Thursday and join in the fun?
“Thank you, Robert, for your dedication and for somehow giving us our voice.” - Helena Tonkin
*This article was written in collaboration with Helena Tonkin, a passionate participant of Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Choir, volunteer, and dedicated supporter.
