Symphony for Science 2019
An evening of music and words to benefit Frontotemporal Disorders Research
MAY 20, 2019, 8 PM | BOSTON’S SYMPHONY HALL
Symphony for Science 2019 featured an exciting lineup of performers and speakers, including members of the Boston Symphony, Keith Lockhart playing piano, and local scientific leaders.
Symphony for Science has the dual goal of raising awareness of FTD and raising funds to support FTD research. The fundraising beneficiary, the Massachusetts General Hospital Frontotemporal Disorders (MGH FTD) Unit, led by director Brad Dickerson, MD, is engaged in active research that centers on the development of high resolution imaging techniques that will be used to improve early diagnosis and serve as biomarkers for clinical trials. This can provide increased clarity and understanding for patients and families about the conditions affecting them, while also preparing stronger techniques for diagnosis and monitoring in preparation for disease-modifying treatments of the future.
The organizers of Symphony for Science have multiple personal connections to this devastating condition: K2O co-founder Kelly Clark’s mother was recently diagnosed and the Boston musical community lost noted oboist Laura Ahlbeck to FTD in 2015. Laura was diagnosed at the MGH FTD Unit which provided invaluable support throughout her illness. Symphony for Science 2019 included talks by representatives from medical research, caregiver, and industry research communities interspersed with performances by an orchestra combining the forces of K2O, members of the Boston Symphony, and other professional musicians all of whom donated their services. The program concluded with a performance of the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante for woodwinds and orchestra featuring Boston Symphony soloists including Richard Ranti, husband of Laura Ahlbeck, accompanied by the ensemble.
The event took place at Symphony Hall, home of the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops, on May 20, 2019 and raised over $40k to support research, patient advocacy, and scientific outreach at the MGH FTD Unit.
