Jozsef Balogh performs for the patients
at the Marie Curie Hospice, Hampstead
Jozsef Balogh, whose awards include first prize at the Graz International Competition, flew in especially when he heard his friend Gordon Lewin was ill.
Gordon has himself performed clarinet and saxophone with most major orchestras in concert, on radio and on television, as well as appearing on the soundtracks of over 100 films.
Joszef describes Gordon as the inspiration for his musical career, having listened to his work on the radio when he was growing up in Hungary.
Gordon’s daughter Janetta, who organised the event, said: “The best medicine for Dad is music. As music is so accessible we invited everyone in the hospice to come and watch.
“Through the concert we were able to celebrate life, there was a shared connection between everyone in the room, old friends, new faces and a real mix of generations from Gordon’s 12 year old grandson to one of his oldest friends at 91.
“The musicians chose pieces that reminded them of Dad, including one of his own compositions. It was very special.
“Since Dad has been at the hospice it is very clear that he is treated as an individual nothing is too much. The staff are professional, attentive and caring; they gave us the freedom to do the things that would make us happy.
“It was wonderful to share this experience with everyone in the hospice which had such a positive
effect.”
Performing with Jozsef were Matt Bacon, Elizabeth Ellwood, Susi Evans and Catherine Shrubshall.
Find out more about the Marie Curie Hospice, Hampstead.
May 2008
