Boston Pops Ensemble Performs Holiday Music for Spaulding Rehab Patients

At the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown on Tuesday, Dec. 10, patients shook “jingle sticks” instead of jingle bells. They then united their voices for holiday music made possible by a Boston Pops ensemble and its conductor Keith Lockhart.

The Spaulding Tabernacle Choir, made up of hospital staff members, performed with the Boston Pops ensemble for patients. The hospital said the visit from the Boston Pops ensemble helps integrate music into their patients’ rehabilitation and healing.

This annual holiday performance, which began in 2010, honors former Boston Pops member Pat Hollenbeck, who received care at Spaulding while recovering from a stroke.

“This has become such a cherished tradition for the Boston Pops,” said Lockhart in an interview with the Boston Herald. “We are very grateful for the doctors and staff who help make it possible to bring the wonderful gift of music to brighten this holiday season.”

In addition to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, the Boston Pops ensemble also performed a selection of holiday music for young patients at Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Brighton earlier in the day on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

These holiday performances are some of the many ways the Boston Pops connects with the Boston community through music education and outreach. Learn more by visiting the Boston Pops website.