The sound of classical music filled St Ann’s Hospice as patients and staff were treated to a live concert recital.

Representatives from the European Doctors’ Orchestra were providing a taste of what to expect when it performs at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, on Sunday, October 20 (7.30pm).

Their surprise visit to the day care centre at Heald Green promoted the orchestra’s autumn concert which will raise funds for St Ann’s.

Patient Brian Hughes said: “After listening to just a few members of the orchestra here, I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic concert.

“They’re brilliant musicians and it’s wonderful that doctors from across Europe are coming to Manchester to support patients like me.”

The hospice’s Creative Therapist Ruth Labrow said: “Music unites people and is important therapy for our patients. It’s something everyone can enjoy and as expected the orchestra were extremely popular. The music was evocative, relaxing and helps patients reminisce.”

Bassoonist Kevin O’Sullivan, from Wilmslow, added: “We were overwhelmed by the reception we got at St Ann’s and are thrilled that the entire proceeds from October’s concert in The Bridgewater Hall will go towards enabling the hospice to continue their wonderful work.”

The visiting ensemble also comprised Huw Purssell (cello); Angelika Wieck and Elaine da Costa (violin); Jenny Merren (viola) and Alfred Pollard (oboe).

Tickets for the concert priced £22.50, including booking fee, are available from The Bridgewater Hall.

The concert, celebrating the human spirit, opens with Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, followed by Brahms’ Song of Destiny and Symphony No. 7 Leningrad by Shostakovich. The orchestra will be accompanied by the St George’s Singers.

The orchestra is made up of European medics who voluntarily use their spare time to perform charity concerts at different Europe-wide locations twice a year.