Four young medical students will hope that Scotland's hearts will beat as regularly as the conductor's baton as they debut in a new Scottish orchestra playing to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.
The University of Dundee students will play at the inaugural concert of the Northern Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra on 15 February in Dundee's Caird Hall to raise money for The Institute of Cardiovascular Research in their own department of medicine.
Simon Carter (21), third year medical student and violinist says: "Heart disease is a huge problem in Scotland but its causes are mainly preventable. If other young people realise that it is a concern for us, they might sit up and take notice of habits like smoking and drinking that seem harmless now but are dangerous for their health in years to come."
Charlotte Sivelle, a second year medic who, as well as being an exceptional violinist is also a talented flautist and plays percussion, is delighted to combine her two greatest passions - medicine and music. She said: "I could have applied to study music but I've wanted to be a doctor for as long as I remember - it's an exciting career."
The students think that severe measures should be taken to make young people like themselves aware of the dangers of heart disease. "The students' union should be a no-smoking zone", says Simon. Charlotte thinks that the food in halls of residence should be improved to offer a healthier balanced diet. "These are habits that should be formed at an early age and there is no excuse for people our age to be eating take aways and pizza every night."
Elena Grant, a second year medical student is the third fiddler in the medical trio. Elena says: "It is awful when you see the devastating effects of heart disease on patients and their families. We must raise awareness of this terrible disease." Barbara, a first year medic who will play the flute with the new orchestra said: "Heart disease is far too prevalent in Scotland. We need to make people aware that it is preventable."
The conductor of the new orchestra David Grant is another musical medic. David studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and is one of the orchestra's founding members. He has extensive performing experience, both as a bassoon player and is currently a surgeon at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with a particular interest in supporting medical charities.
The evening's programme will include the beautiful Elgar Cello concerto accompanied by the accomplished Scottish cellist Kennedy Leitch. The orchestra will also perform Saint -Saens's 3rd symphomy providing a rare opportunity for the audience to experience the sound of the magnificent Caird Hall organ.
A raffle will be drawn on the evening with a stunning prize of ten weekends for two at Beaufort Castle. Raffle tickets are priced at £10 and are available from Heather Graham at the TICR office 01382 345609.
TICR aims to bring together on one site, skilful clinicians and researchers from all areas of the University of Dundee's Medical School who have a special interest in the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
Tickets for the concert are available from Dundee City box office. 01382 434940 and TICR office 01382 345609 or email ticr@development.dundee.ac.uk priced £12.50 concessions £7.50 for students and under 16s.
Contact Heather Graham 01382 345609
By Jenny Marra, Press Officer 01382 344910 j.m.marra@dundee.ac.uk