The idea of a European Doctors Orchestra came from Miklos Pohl, a plastic surgeon who proposed an orchestra that would offer medical musicians from across Europe the opportunity to join together for sociable weekends of playing music. He had founded the Australian Doctors Orchestra thirteen years previously prior to moving to London. Miklos, who is Hungarian by birth, gained support from a small group of enthusiastic fellow doctors and professional conductor,Rupert Bond for the inaugural concert in 2004.
The European Doctors Orchestra is now full symphony orchestra of about 100 players from many different European countries. In the past twenty years they have played over 40 concerts with 49 soloists and 7 choirs. Income from the public concerts benefits medical charities, and aims to promote, develop and maintain the performance and appreciation of music. Players derive great satisfaction and from coming together for a weekend of rehearsals under the baton of a professional conductor and performing concerts of a high standard in cities across Europe. The doctors pay for their own accommodation and travel and a registration fee that covers all expenses, including the cost of the concert venue, soloists and conductor. All proceeds from ticket sales goes to the charity chosen for that particular concert.
Of equal interest is the social aspect of each tour and the sharing of research and medical news within the different specialties. It is believed that every single disease and organ of the human body has a medical specialist within the body of the orchestra – Music and Medicine are wonderful partners!
Forore information about EDO: www.europeandoctorsorchestra.com
