When Sheila unexpectedly came across world‑renowned pianist Lang Lang performing at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, she knew she had to bring her husband Bob – a lifelong fan and patient at the hospital – to witness the moment. What followed was a deeply moving encounter, as Lang Lang paused his schedule to play a piece just for Bob.
Watch the video or read the transcript below to learn about the transformative impact arts can have in the hospital environment.
Bob's story
Bob:
Three years ago, we were on holiday and I had a stroke on New Year’s Eve. I spent six or seven weeks in hospital in France and then I came back by ambulance to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
I believe you have two choices in life: you can sit down and let what happens to you happen, or you can fight it. You might have days when you feel depressed and think: ‘Oh I can’t be bothered to get out of bed today’.Â
That’s fatal.
That’s probably where my music comes in. Part of my healing process is music.
Meeting Lang Lang
Sheila:
My husband has been a fan of Lang Lang for a very long time.Â
I had been attending a follow-up appointment at the hospital and had no idea that this performance was going to be taking place. I noticed that there were lots of people on the upper level looking down at something, and as I came down the escalator I was overwhelmed that I was looking at Lang Lang.
The moment I got off the escalator I went and I spoke to Lang Lang and told him about my husband’s adoration of him. I phoned my son immediately, who was at home with my husband, and said: ‘Get him here as quickly as you can!’ The moment he arrived I approached Lang Lang and said: ‘This is the gentleman I spoke to you about.’
He greeted my husband and told him that he was sorry to hear [about his illness], and I said: ‘It’s such a shame he missed you playing.’ With that, he said: ‘No bother’. Unexpectedly and out of the programme, he lifted the piano lid and said to my husband: ‘I’m going to play you some Schumann.’
He then came across to my husband again, who by then was crying, and said he hoped it had helped.
Finding comfort in music
Bob:
Maybe some people feel better listening to Elvis Presley for hours. Good luck to them, because if it helps you, it’s something that shouldn’t be denied. And it really does help.
Music: Schumann – Kinderszenen, Op 15: VII. Träumerei, performed by Lang Lang
Please do not reproduce without permission.
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