Doctors’ orchestra tuning up for charity concert

IN just over a fortnight, doctors from across NSW will be swapping their medical instruments for the musical variety as part of the NSW Doctors Orchestra ‘Musicus Medicus’ annual concert.

More than 60 doctors will perform with the orchestra, having spent the past few weeks poring over the works of Mozart and Puccini, features in this year’s Mediterranean Magic review.

“It takes a lot of discipline to fit in [the necessary practice], but fortunately doctors tend to be quite disciplined anyway,” said orchestra coordinator and GP Dr Cathy Fraser.

“It is a lot of hard work, but, for me, when I am sitting there playing with other talented musicians, it is just so wonderful.”

The musicians will be joined on stage by two established soloists, soprano Amelia Farrugia and pianist Tamara Anna Cislowska. Each year the orchestra uses its performance to raise funds for a charity, which this time is the Sydney Eisteddfod, a not-for-profit organisation that supports the performing arts.

“If we fill the hall, we can make close to $10,000 for the charity – depending on our level of sponsorship,” Dr Fraser said.

The NSW Doctors Orchestra will perform on Sunday 1 November at the Conservatorium of Music in Sydney.