District celebration of the arts in healthcare showcases heart-warming performances. 
 

Beautiful harmonies and haunting melodies echoed through Sydney Local Health District hospitals for this year's March Arts celebrations.

Members of the Opera Australia Chorus were named District Musicians in Residence for 2026, performing at RPA, Concord, Balmain and Sydney Dental hospitals.

One of the world's leading full-time operatic ensembles, the Chorus is celebrated for vocal brilliance and commanding stage presence.

Sophie Janet, Opera Australia Chorus Manager, was grateful for the chance to perform.

“It was a wonderful opportunity for the group, with each of the four locations offering a unique and heart‑warming experience for us. We’re still talking about it,” she said.

Performances were organised by Arterie Program Managers Corrine Doran and Charlotte Greig, and allowed patients, visitors and staff the chance to experience a repertoire perfectly tailored to each hospital.

"The performances have been enormously well received by patients, staff and visitors.  The feedback has been sensational, and a real testament to everyone's hard work," Charlotte said.

The Chorus delivered renditions of famous works and modern melodies, stopping many patients, staff and visitors in their tracks.

"The memories of the powerful, uplifting and stunning performances will stay with us for many years to come,” Charlotte said. 

The 2026 March Arts program also included the addition of two Sydney artists to the RPA Artists in Residence program. 

Norta Barchin's work, Marks of Kindness, invited patients, visitors, and staff to contribute a word or phrase of kindness within the painted lines of a fingerprint, offering a quiet moment of reflection. 

Sandra Graham’s Artist in Residence project, Sea (E)Scape, was on display at the RPA Kidney Centre Dialysis Unit. The Dialysis community were welcome to engage with her collections of seaside photographs taken during various travels and join her in conversation about the images, which hold significant meaning for the community.

Chinese traditional dancing was also featured at Concord Hospital, alongside the creation of new works and a debut exhibition by Jennifer Reynolds, Aboriginal Artist and Concord patient.

Exhibitions included the Centenary Institute Exhibition: When Art Meets Science 2025 across all hospitals, and the Arterie Art Collection and RPA Museum Tour, focusing on art and heritage collections across the RPA Campus.

March Arts is Sydney Local Health District’s annual celebration of arts in healthcare. Staff and volunteers come together to produce art and music and support the month-long program across all hospital sites.