Pianist Joe Cavalli-Price found solace in music during a difficult time when his mother was admitted to end-of-life care in a hospice. At just 21 years old, Joe struggled to communicate with his terminally ill mother, who was non-verbal due to a brain tumour diagnosis a decade earlier. Taking a walk around Ty Olwen hospice in Swansea, he stumbled upon a neglected piano, covered in blankets, in a corner. Joe’s impromptu decision to bring the piano next to his mother’s bedside and play ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ marked a transformative moment of connection and comfort for both of them.
Recalling the emotional experience, Joe shared, “When I opened that piano lid, sat down, and played those first notes, I felt it. Shoulders relaxing, emotion release, breath steadying, and for the first time in months felt like I could fully connect with my mum.” The profound impact of this musical gesture rippled through the hospice, with families and staff reaching out to Joe to witness the soothing effect of his music. This moment inspired Joe to launch Music in Hospices, an initiative aimed at bringing solace through music to patients in palliative care, with the support of the Royal Academy of Music.
The tragic loss of Joe’s mother propelled him to realise the healing power of music for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. He began reaching out to hospices across the UK, offering to play music for patients. Joe’s performances touched the hearts of many, creating opportunities for families to share moments of love and connection during challenging times. Reflecting on his experiences, Joe emphasised, “Hospices are a place of love and joy and life. We all need to know that.”
Five years since its inception, Music in Hospices seeks to expand its reach by becoming a national charity, with backing from the Lang Lang Foundation. Esteemed pianist Lang Lang’s endorsement of the project underscores the potential for music to bring moments of joy and comfort to those in hospice care. Joe’s dedication to honouring his mother’s memory through music has evolved into a beacon of hope for families navigating the complexities of palliative care.
The impact of music in hospices extends beyond the patients to encompass the hospice staff, providing a source of respite and healing amidst demanding circumstances. Joe’s collaborative efforts with fellow musicians and the Lang Lang Foundation underscore a shared commitment to leveraging music as a transformative tool in end-of-life care settings. Through poignant performances and heartfelt connections, Music in Hospices continues to illuminate paths of comfort and solace for individuals and families confronting life’s most profound challenges.
As the initiative gains momentum and recognition, Joe remains steadfast in his mission to honour his mother’s legacy and extend moments of respite to those in palliative care. The journey from personal tragedy to a movement of hope exemplifies the transformative power of music in fostering connections, offering solace, and celebrating life amidst adversity. Joe’s profound experiences underscore the enduring impact of compassion and creativity in creating spaces of healing and comfort for individuals facing life’s most delicate stages.