Cuore and St Gemma’s: a partnership at the heart of the community

We are pleased to be partnering with the Cuore Chamber Orchestra as they launch into Leeds with a concert supporting St Gemma’s Hospice on Friday 6th March.

Cuore was founded by William Dutton, whose passion for music began at a very young age. The orchestra combines musical excellence with a commitment to serving communities across Yorkshire. For William, this concert is especially meaningful because of his family’s connection to St Gemma’s.

“This important event is about more than the orchestra, it’s about a charity which not only means a lot to Leeds but to my own family,” he said.

“When I was growing up, my grandfather would tell me about setting up St Gemma’s at a time when the idea of hospices wasn’t really on the national radar. As a youngster, going with him and meeting the staff was inspirational. There is a personal relationship for me with this wonderful charity. Playing this concert feels like coming full circle.”

“I believe that the principle on which St Gemma’s was founded was not just to alleviate symptoms of terminal illness, but to treat individuals as whole beings, understanding their unique needs, and giving them dignity in the most difficult of situations.

“I know that music has the ability to positively impact all of us, particularly in times of stress or when we feel vulnerable. I look forward to working together to see how music can have a positive impact in our communities and in relation to end-of-life care.”

William’s grandfather, Professor Gerald Richards, was closely involved in the development of St Gemma’s and helped establish our Academic Unit of Palliative Care. His work ensured that teaching and research became central to hospice care, training health professionals locally, nationally, and internationally.

“I am very proud of the fact that in 2017 St Gemma’s became the first formally recognised University Teaching Hospice in the UK,” said Professor Richards. “This reflects the substantial teaching and research programmes we set up in collaboration with the university. People who are properly trained carry those skills for life and are able to share them.”

Professor Richards has welcomed the partnership with Cuore. “I am delighted at this fund-raising partnership between Cuore and St Gemma’s. These two charities serve different purposes, but their values and services are vital to the community.”

St Gemma’s has always relied on partnerships with families, volunteers, supporters, and organisations who share our commitment to compassionate care. We are grateful to Cuore for helping to raise much-needed funds to ensure our services remain free to all who need them.

“There is no road to success except the determination to get there,” said Professor Richards.

This partnership demonstrates how shared values and a commitment to the community can create a lasting impact.

At the debut concert in Leeds on Friday 6^th March, Cuore’s young, world-class musicians will present a stunning programme of works by Purcell, Parry and Dvorak as well as a national premiere performance of Elisabetta Brusa’s ‘Simply Largo’. Tickets for the concert at the Howard Assembly Room are available at https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/cuore-chamber-orchestra

We’re also delighted to be welcoming Cuore to the Hospice on Thursday 5th March where they will perform for our patients to enjoy 💜