As a response to empirical research that verifies the positive physical and emotional responses patients have to the music, and its natural healing powers, the group implemented Brazilian Voices - Arts and Healing, a community-based project.
Through a shared initiative with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Brazilian Voices is performing at hospitals, nursing homes, and support centers for cancer patients.
“Like water, music rises and falls in a gentle wave of love that bathes, cleanses and caresses our spirits, leaving us buoyed up and restored” - Katharine Le Mee
The Project
Brazilian Voices is a female vocal ensemble that performs at community and philanthropic events. In 2001, the vocal group became a non-profit organization with the purpose of creating cultural, educational, and health-related projects.
The Arts and Healing community-based project intends to contribute though their work to the healing process of patients undergoing treatment. The project began
through a shared initiative with the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The group performs at the Broward General Medical Center, Memorial Regional Hospital, and Gilda’s Club, an organization that offers support to patients living with cancer.
Brazilian Voices also takes their music “live” to facilities serving the elderly, university support health groups, including Nova Southeastern University, and Women in Distress, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women.
The Power of Music
Music, by being a universal and unique language, has the power to touch our deepest emotions, to open us to the cultural richness and creativity of those who compose and perform it.
From time immemorial, music has been used to prompt feelings of wellbeing, self-expression, communication, relaxation, and stress reduction.
When listening to music people usually experience an overall peaceful, tranquil, and sense of wellbeing. Potentially they may observe physiological changes; namely, lowering levels of stress hormones, breathing rate, blood pressure, and heart beat.
Our Program
Brazilian Voices is well known for its strong connection with its audience through their enchanting voices and captivating enthusiasm and energy. Aware of this fact, the group has taken their music to facilities where patients would otherwise be unable to attend.
By observing a live performance, patients find it easier and increasingly compelling to empathize with the singers and thus share in the pleasure and enthusiasm of the performers.
Brazilian Voices organization is keenly aware of their responsibilites, and ethical conduct. They work in cooperation with the healthcare team with whom they interact, and support and respect the organizations’ guidelines.
Recently, the group has begun conducting a pilot study at the Broward General Medical Center, recording and documenting their findings.
I just find the work that you are doing of such tremendous value to the world, and if we can change our scientific culture about the value of music then I would be glad to have been a small part in your efforts...
Eugene Ahn MD
Division of Hematology/Oncology
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine | Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center | Miami VA Medical Center
Given the overall acceptance of this project, Brazilian Voices intends to broaden its reach. Therefore, in order to achieve the Arts and Healing goals; Brazilian Voices is seeking corporate and individual supporters through donations and sponsorships to help expand their activities:
- Pilot studies leading to research
- Documentation of findings through objective means
- Promotional material
- Training and consulting services
- Expanding the project to other target facilities outside Broward County
- Transportation
- Association with other related organizations
- Participation in national and international conferences and seminars
For further information, please contact Marpessa Quintar-DeMoraes or Marize Caseas.
Places Brazilian Voices has performed
- Broward General Medical Center
- Memorial Regional Hospita
- Gilda's Club South Florida
