Celebrating Creativity in Hospitals: Michael Stimpson's work inspired by his stay in ICU at hear of this concert for Horatio's Gardens

A concert to thank the NHS and to raise money for Horatio's Gardens, who produce beautiful gardens at NHS spinal injury centres to aid patients with their recovery, at Sinfonia Smith Square on 2 May 2025 will not only feature the Woburn Piano Trio (Emily Davis, Karen Stephenson and Sophia Rahman) in Beethoven's Piano Trio No.1 in E-flat major, and Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No.1 in D minor, but also features composer Michael Stimpson's Tales from the 15th floor inspired by his own time in ICU at Charing Cross Hospital after a life-changing illness.

Composer Michael Stimpson was 29 when he contracted Guillain-Barré Syndrome, the rare neurological condition that left him unconscious and paralysed in intensive care for four and a half months. His Tales from the 15th floor for cello and piano reflects this time in his life.

As a thank you to NHS workers and volunteers, they able to buy tickets at the discounted price of £5. All money raised at the concert will go towards Horatio’s Garden. Because of their link with spinal injury, wheelchair users and their carers can attend the concert for free.

Horatio’s Garden builds and looks after extraordinary gardens in in the heart of NHS spinal

injury centres. They lead gardening sessions to grow and cultivate plants, arts workshops to discover new skills and a programme of live music and events. Designed to be enjoyed all-year-round, the gardens offer a warm, welcoming place for family and friends who may have travelled hours for a visit. They have now opened gardens in seven of the 11 NHS spinal injury centres in the UK and their vision is for everyone with a spinal injury to have a Horatio’s Garden as part of their rehabilitation care. 

Full details of the concert from Sinfonia Smith Square website.