Coral 'Voice and Life' returns to Ophir Loyola Hospital after three years and moves patients and staff

After three years of pause, the Coral Voice and Life of Ophir Loyola Hospital (HOL) returned with a special performance during the Father's Day program, held on August 6. The reunion marked a new cycle for the humanization initiative, which unites voices and stories around music as a tool for emotional and social care.

Founded in 2001, initially named "Coral de Vozes," the group was composed only of staff. Over the years, it began to include outsourced employees, users, and companions. Renamed Coral Voice and Life, it has established itself as an artistic action that contributes to mental health and quality of life in the hospital environment.

For the coordinator of the Humanization sector at HOL, Michelle Azevedo, the choir is an essential part of the comprehensive care offered by the institution:

"Coral Voice and Life plays a significant role in the humanization process. It is an artistic and cultural activity that provides relaxation, joy, and leisure. As a humanized practice, it encompasses the welcome and appreciation of the worker, user, and companion of HOL. The choir occupies an important space in people's lives, as a source of health production and care promotion."

In addition to promoting integration and socialization, music has a therapeutic effect on patients, companions, and professionals.

"Music reduces the stress level of the demands of the hospital routine. It is an instrument that conveys feelings, ideas, learning, and thus facilitates therapy and the well-being of all," adds Michelle.

Retiree Maria Rita da Silva, 65, a patient being followed at the hospital, was one of those moved by the group's return:

"For me, the feeling is one of gratitude. This boosts our self-esteem. It was wonderful for HOL to bring the choir back. Music conveys emotions, joy, happiness, and renews the heart. This helps me to evolve."

Staff also celebrated the return. Ana Lúcia de Sousa, who closely followed the choir from its early years, highlighted:

"I was very sad when the choir ended. Now, with the return, it's a mix of feelings. Music for me is joy and love. When you are sad and sing, you renew yourself. Returning to rehearse and perform is to feel fulfilled again."

A member of the group, psychologist Regina Lima reinforces the importance of this experience:

"Although we understand that music has a unique meaning for each person, our goal as a choir is to convey harmony, connection, and joy. Our meetings promote interaction and entertainment, favoring mental health and reinforcing appreciation and humanization in the hospital."

More than a set of voices, Coral Voice and Life is a link between clinical care and human care. Its return reaffirms Ophir Loyola Hospital's commitment to actions that transform the hospital routine into a space of hope, culture, and belonging.