AdventHealth Orchestra's stirring Kennedy Center performance delights audience, moves some to tears

The AdventHealth Orchestra on Presidents' Day had the unique opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to perform at The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, more commonly known as the Kennedy Center.

The performance marked the first time the Orchestra had been invited to perform at the Capital Orchestra Festival, an exclusive musical celebration that features four orchestras from across the country.

"You only get a few opportunities like this in your life to perform with a group like this one," said Richard Hickam, AdventHealth's director of music and the arts. "It makes you want to slow down time and really be in the moment -- to relish in the time, the people -- and to do the very best you can."

He said that he was honored to lead the performance at the nation's cultural center.

"The Kennedy Center was established to fill a vital gap in America -- a national home for music, the arts, education and ideas," Hickam said. "Similarly, our Orchestra serves as a cultural ambassador, representing the diverse stories of our team members at AdventHealth."

The Orchestra comprises AdventHealth team members who serve in a diverse array of roles and bring unique experiences and talents to the stage.

What began as a small group of string players has blossomed into a full orchestra that seeks to help listeners feel whole.

Hickam said that he founded the Orchestra during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve as a beacon of togetherness during a time that was marked by isolation and uncertainty.

Anna Chamoun, M.D., is a physician at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs and is also a cellist in the Orchestra.

"When COVID-19 hit, being on the front lines of treatment was very stressful, and seeing some of our patients and colleagues dying around us was an overwhelming experience," Dr. Chamoun said. "However, being able to play music and come together afterward was a relief and an unbelievable bonding tactic that made us all stronger."

She said that she views her fellow Orchestra members like family and that the group serves as a collaborative space for them.

"Together, we produce something beautiful that we could never achieve alone," added Cheri Carrick, AdventHealth's director for Employer Solutions and a keyboardist in the Orchestra.

During the group's Feb. 17 performance, it performed multiple pieces, including the musical score of "Schindler's List" and Camille Saint-Saëns' "Symphony No. 3" as a grand finale.

"Saint-Saëns' 'Organ Symphony' was the most challenging piece we had ever performed," said Rose Williams, an AdventHealth Orlando nurse who is also a violinist in the Orchestra. "The standing ovation for concertmaster Paulo Pereiras' breathtaking 'Schindler's List' interpretation left many in tears."

The Orchestra's hard work, dedication and hours of weekend rehearsals fueled a breathtaking performance that positively affected all who were seated in the elite concert hall.

"Seeing the appreciation and joy in the audience was inspiring," said Sheila Black, an AdventHealth Orlando lab coordinator who is also a clarinetist in the Orchestra. "Music has no boundaries -- it connects, heals and brings pure joy."

Prior to joining the Orchestra, many of the group's 65 members had not played instruments since they were younger.

Paul Adeogun, executive director of Support Services at AdventHealth Orlando, began playing the tuba as an eighth grade student in Kenya and continued this passion throughout his college years.

"I never thought I would be able to play the tuba consistently again," he said. "Now, here I am many years later."

Music can create an unspoken connection between people, and it can advance the organization's mission in an inspiring, impactful way.

"Through music, we continue to extend the healing ministry of Christ, fostering connection, inspiration and a deeper sense of community," Hickam said.