Music and medicine find a harmony

Playing the violin since the age of six, Dr Annemarie Hennessy has discovered a way to combine her two passions of medicine and music – an orchestra for doctors!

Dean and Professor of Medicine at UWS, Annemarie has been involved with the Australian Doctors Orchestra from its beginnings almost 20 years ago, and has performed in every NSW Orchestra concert since 2004.

Comprising more than 60 doctors, medical students, and medical professionals, the NSW Doctors Orchestra features internationally renowned and classically trained musicians and soloists, presenting a different side to health professionals.

"It's an outlet from the business of everyday life,” says Annemarie.

“We don’t talk shop at all; it is just a lovely chance to play some of the great classics.”

Both the national and state based orchestras perform annual concerts to help raise funds for various charity organisations.

Following her participation in the most recent state concert held in May this year, Annemarie is looking forward to next year’s NSW Orchestra concert.