IMNF Music Has Power Awards Returns After a Three-Year Hiatus

The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing scientific inquiry into music and the brain, and developing clinical treatments to benefit people of all ages, hosted the Music Has Power Awards after a three-year hiatus. Held at the Times Center on Nov. 19, IMNF honored Opera great Renée Fleming and IMNF Board member Harry Ballan.

Renée Fleming, one of the most highly acclaimed singers of our time, was honored for her role in launching a collaboration between the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Institutes of Health on music, wellness, and the brain. IMNF also honored Dean of Touro Law Center and IMNF Board member Harry Ballan for his support to the Institute.

Emceed by former PBS broadcaster Midge Woolsey, the Music Has Power Awards began with a cocktail reception and then moved into the beautifully appointed theater for performances by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, mezzo soprano J’Nai Bridges and pianist Gordon Schermer. Funds raised through this celebration will support patient care along with clinical and scientific research.

The award given to honorees was designed specifically for IMNF. Past recipients have been physicians, scientists, musical artists, performers, and members of the music industry and business community. The event recognizes the accomplishments of exceptional individuals who have brought new understanding to the use of the power of music to awaken and heal. Celebrity performers have graced the stage at previous Music Has Power Award ceremonies to honor these individuals. Past celebrity performers include Chris Martin, Dominic Chianese, the Beastie Boys, Michael Feinstein, Jim McNeely, Dustin Hoffman, Moby, Vanessa Carlton and Kris Kristofferson.

Wartburg partnered with IMNF last year to offer individualized music therapy for those living with neurologic issues such as Aphasia, Alzheimer’s and dementia as well as children with developmental needs through Wartburg’s Outpatient Rehabilitation Program. IMNF also hosts a “Healing Music” program for veterans with traumatic brain injury, neurological issues and PTSD. “Healing Music” treated award attendees to a performance as well as led the attendees in a sing-a-long featuring “Stand by Me.”

https://wartburg.org/imnf-music-has-power-awards-returns-after-a-three-year-hiatus/ – www.wartburg.org