Healing in harmony as medical maestro Andrew Nicol launches Hope Sings cancer choir

A Capella Cure: It’s in its early stages but Brisbane’s Hope Sings Choir is set to become a hit with cancer patients across the globe. When pain persists … sing, sing, sing. WATCH the video

Voices of Birralee musical director Paul Holley, left, with Hope Sings Virtual Choir founder Dr Andrew Nicol. Picture: Contributed

A Brisbane cancer specialist has struck a chord between medicine and healing after this week launching the world’s first cancer choir as a form of oral therapy.

Brisbane haematologist and oncologist Dr Andrew Nicol joined forces with a podcaster, a university music department and a charity to form the fledgling Hope Sings Virtual Choir Project a year ago.

When fully operating, Hope Sings Choir would provide an online forum for those who wanted an uplifting experience while undergoing invasive cancer treatments.

Dr Nicol has enlisted the help of Queensland’s best community choir, Voices of Birralee, a multi-generational community arts organisation founded by choral clinician Julie Christiansen in 1995.

Voices of Birralee has provided the backing tracks and has been compiling a list of entertaining songs for Hope Sings suited to all types of voices and capabilities.

Patients would be able to record themselves singing using their computer or smartphone from the comfort of their own home or hospital bed.

Choir participants could download, or be sent, a backing track to sing to while listening to the music through headphones and then record their singing on their smartphone.

They could also opt to video their performance.

All contributions would then be merged into a joint performance by experienced music technicians, using funding from Dr Nicol’s charity Exercise, Music and Art in Medicine.

Once the online platform was built, participants would also have the option of collaborating with university composers who would write personalised lyrics from stories told by participants.

Voices of Birralee musical director Paul Holley, along with cancer survivor and Brisbane podcaster Jacqui Cowan, said they were ready for the choir’s first recordings this week.

The project was dear to Ms Cowan, who had cancer 10 years ago but has stayed in remission after treatment with Dr Nicol.

Patients had the opportunity to be part of Ms Cowan’s “Cancer Culture” podcast series and tell their stories and experiences on iTunes and Spotify.

“For many people, treatment can mean being isolated or bedridden for long periods which can lead to boredom and depression,” Dr Nicol said.

“All of our research has shown that singing and collaborating along with art and exercise are beneficial to those undergoing treatment.

“Our choir is unique because even if you are in bed or cannot get out of a hospital room, you can still be part of the choir and everyone’s voice is important.

“Anyone, anywhere in the world will be able to join the choir and it will be as easy as downloading an app on a smartphone or logging on to our website to download the backing track.”

Clinical studies from Australian, London and the US have shown tangible benefits of being involved in music.

David Taylor was the first person to be recorded for the Hope Sings cancer choir. Picture: Contributed

The first participant recorded was David Taylor, who is undergoing therapy for

leukaemia.

Mr Taylor has previously performed in a choir and said he was aware of the enormous emotional benefits.

The choir will also be a refuge for mother-of-four Nerida Rienecker who wished she had had access to the choir eight years ago, when he four-year-old son contracted stage 4 Wilms tumour.

The Voices of Birralee parent and musician said the cancer choir will now be the perfect panacea for her and those struggling during the emotional cancer rollercoaster.

“Cancer patients and their families often find themselves isolated from their own communities, sometimes through physical separation but also through the loneliness that comes from experiencing something that others in their world have not,” Ms Rienecker said.

“This cancer bubble can often exacerbate the stress experienced by patients and their carers. “Singing is a proven stress reliever and I believe singing in the community has the power to heal, restore and connect.

“Having access to a program run by the amazing Birralee team will provide much-needed respite from the stress of each day, and will be something to look forward to.

“A choir like this would have provided a beacon of light along the path for me and my son throughout our journey.”

Another of Dr Nicol’s patients, Terry Ryder, will also add his voice to the choir in an effort to help others heal.

Cancer survivor Terry Ryder tunes in to the choir while cooking his favourite meal. Picture: Contributed

Mr Ryder, 76, was diagnosed with lymphoma 11 years ago and is undergoing “oral therapy” as part of a clinical trial.

Music has been a major part of life for Mr Ryder, who also works as an usher at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

“I love music but have never been a singer myself so this was a bit outside my comfort zone,” Mr Ryder said.

“I have always loved a variety of music from ABBA to ACDC and thought I would give it a go — what have I got to lose?

“When I was first diagnosed with cancer I needed direction and some hope and even now that I have been in remission for 11 years, I use music to relax and lift my spirits.”

Mr Ryder, a former pugilist said fighting cancer was often a lonely battle and joining an anonymous choir would offer solace to many.

Voices of Birralee Choir provides the backing tracks for the Hope Sings Choir which performs a range of well-known songs including Amazing Grace.

Dr Nicol came up with the groundbreaking therapy after working for two decades in the pressure-filled role as a haematologist and oncologist heading up a highly experienced research team developing and trialling new therapy.

The choir is a flagship project of his Exercise, Music and Art in Medicine charity recently set up to raise funds for this and other initiatives for cancer patients.

“I hope it will become a beacon of hope for many, offering a sense of belonging and purpose. “Through regular rehearsals and performances, patients can find camaraderie and strength in each other’s company.

“The therapeutic benefits of music and community are far-reaching.”

Recording, mixing soundtracks, organising an online streaming platform, and publishing a calendar of live events are all underway.

■ Cancer patients who want to add their voices to the choir can email [e-mail]

Originally published as Healing in harmony as medical maestro Andrew Nicol launches Hope Sings cancer choir