October 7, 2005

MGHers make beautiful music

For the past 23 years, a group of Boston-based medical professionals has been inspired to help others not only in the health care setting but also through their musical talents.

The Longwood Symphony Orchestra (LSO) — which includes several MGHers — was founded in 1982 by a group of Harvard Medical School students who wanted to continue their musical interests while pursuing their medical careers. Over time, the LSO developed into a symphonic orchestra. In addition to their dedication to music, the members of the LSO share a genuine commitment to community service raising both funds and awareness for medical causes.

The first LSO concert of this season on Oct. 8 has a special MGH connection. The concert will feature renowned guest performer, flutist Eugenia Zukerman, who is the sister of MGH staff member, Julie Ingelfinger, MD, a senior consultant in the Pediatric Nephrology Department of MassGeneral Hospital for Children.

The sisters come from a very musical family. "My earliest memories are of my family having musical evenings at home where family and friends would play various instruments," says Ingelfinger. Growing up, Zukerman would play in orchestras and local concerts, and Ingelfinger would often serve as her accompanist on the piano.

Ingelfinger, left, with Zuckerman and their mother

Joining Zukerman on stage will be the current MGH-affiliated LSO musicians: Heidi Harbison, MD, a resident in Emergency Medicine who plays violin; Susan Pauker, MD, director of the Genetics Clinic and LSO chair who plays violin; Wolfram Goessling, MD, PhD, of Oncology who plays the trumpet; Daniela Krause, MD, an intern in the Clinical Pathology Department who plays flute; Tai Katzenstein, a clinical fellow in Psychiatry who plays cello; Read Pukkila-Worley, MD, a resident in Internal Medicine who plays cello; and Lisa Wong, MD, of MassGeneral Hospital for Children, president of LSO who plays violin.

The Oct. 8 performance will be held at the New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall at 8 pm. For more information about the LSO, visit www.longwoodsymphony.org.