Press release posted 21 April 2023

2 cancer doctors from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust will be taking part in a charity concert at The Bridgewater Hall on Sunday 3 September 2023. They’ll be performing Mahler’s Symphony No.3 in D minor alongside 100 other doctors from across Europe as part of the European Doctors Orchestra. All proceeds from the concert will go to The Christie charity.

Dr. Rohan Shotton, clinical research fellow in medical oncology at The Christie, a specialist cancer trust, has been part of the orchestra for 10 years and is the principal percussionist. He’ll be joined by Dr. Daniel Saunders, consultant clinical oncologist and associate medical director, who plays the oboe.

“I love being part of such a special group,” comments Rohan. “You get to meet some brilliant doctors who are also fantastic musicians. It holds a special place in my heart as it’s also where I met my wife. She is an intensive care doctor at another Trust here in Manchester and we’ve been together for 7 years. We’re both looking forward to performing in our home city and raising money for a charity that means so much to us both.”

“This is my first time performing with the orchestra and I’m really looking forward to it,” comments Daniel. “Everyone is very talented, and the standard of performance is incredibly high. The audience is in for a fantastic evening and the money made from the tickets will go to support cancer patients and their families.”

The orchestra performs 3 or 4 times a year in locations across Europe. Players practise the music independently at home and then have two or three days of rehearsals ahead of the concert. Each doctor pays to take part so that the maximum amount of money possible can go to charity. This is the first time they’ve raised money for The Christie charity.

“I first came to The Christie 7 years ago and during that time, I’ve really seen the benefit that charity funding brings to patients and their families. I’m currently doing research into lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph system, and my salary is part-funded by the charity – so not only is the money helping the patients being treated today, but it’s also helping the patients of tomorrow by funding things like clinical trials.”

St George’s Singers, choristers of Blackburn and Salford Cathedral, and mezzo-soprano Sarah Castle (Royal Opera House, Bayreuth Festival) will accompany the orchestra. You can find out more and get tickets on our European Doctors Orchestra event page.

The Christie charity supports the work of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. This includes money for care and treatment, research, education and extra patient services. Gifts from the public make a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to patients and their families.