We are pleased to invite staff, patients and visitors to experience uplifting performances by talented artists from around the world. Take a Breathing Space to pause and recharge in the public spaces of Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals.

Please find details of upcoming performances below.

Download a PDF of the July & August schedule here.

 

July

Wednesday 3rd July, 1pm-2pm – Central Hall, St Thomas’ Hospital

Zong Zing

Cavacha – Congolese music

Zong Zing play uplifting music called Cavacha. It is the core rhythm of Central African music that has given rise to ‘Soukous’ in the Democratic Republic of Congo, ‘Makossa’ in Cameroon and ‘Coupe Decale’ in the Ivory Coast. The music is steeped in folklore. Led by master guitarist Fiston Lusambo Zong Zing formed at The Magpie’s Nest Club (BBC Best Folk Club of the Year 2008) in 2008, as an a cappella group, later evolving into a full band. They are highly skilled musicians who have played with a host of illustrious African groups. Since their formation they have gone from strength to strength, playing and rocking packed audiences in and around London and at some of the UK’s top mainstream music festivals. At larger festivals the band often appears with a number of dancers and acrobats added to their basic line up. This is music to touch your senses!

 

Wednesday 17th July, 1pm-2pm – Central Hall, St Thomas’ Hospital

Balbir Singh Dance Company

Indian Fusion Dance

Balbir Singh Dance Company (BSDC) is a pioneering organisation at the intersection of art, culture, and innovation. Based in Leeds, the company regularly works with a variety of artists and musicians and presents work to diverse audiences across the UK and internationally. The company has a focus on Arts and Health. Partnering with Durham University, alongside other key collaborators, including Live Well With Pain, BSDC embarked on the groundbreaking initiative that merged the art of dance with medical science. Unmasking Pain served to depict and understand chronic pain through artistic interpretations, scientific research, and community engagement. The Company is currently exploring collaboration with St Thomas and Guys Hospital to embed creative approaches to working with people living with chronic pain.

 

Wednesday 24th July, 12.30pm-1.30pm – Atrium 1, Guy’s Hospital

English National Ballet Dance for Parkinson’s Performance Company

Dance

Join English National Ballet for a fun, creative dance performance and workshop giving an insight into their research-based Dance for Parkinson’s programme. Delivered by experienced ENB Associate Artists, this taster workshop is accompanied by live music, and includes seated and standing exercises for all abilities. Inspired by ballet and contemporary dance techniques, explore the themes and choreography of English National Ballet repertoire. There will be a performance of a new choreography presented by members of English National Ballet’s Dance for Parkinson’s Performance Company.

© Photography by ASH

 

August

Wednesday 7th August, 1pm-2pm – Central Hall, St Thomas’ Hospital

Bianca Watts

Harp

Bianca began studying the harp at age seven in Chantilly, France, and has been charmed by the instrument ever since. She is an award-winning musician who has captivated audiences with her enchanting harp playing, mesmerising vocals. Her passion for music led her to complete her Masters degree in classical harp at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, with Distinction. Fuelled by her diverse musical tastes, which encompass folk, classical, pop, jazz, and more, she delved into the realms of composing. This fusion of genres creates a unique and captivating sound, which Bianca has taken to numerous renowned venues across the UK. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Bianca is deeply committed to using music as a tool for positive change. She specialises in music outreach work, performing and leading workshops in prisons, hospitals, refugee camps, schools, centres for people with additional needs and many more communities. Additionally, she runs projects for underprivileged children with the esteemed charitable organisation, Wind-Up Penguin.

 

There will be a summer break over the rest of August. Performances will return in September.