Elgin Symphony makes lullaby CD for babies born at Alexian Brothers hospitals

In a unique partnership with the Alexian Brothers Health System, some members of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra have been using their musical talents to soothe newborn babies and their parents.

In March, a strings, flute and piano ensemble recorded 11 songs for an exclusive lullaby CD that is given to moms of newborns when they are discharged from the Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village and the new Alexian Brothers Women & Children’s Hospital in Hoffman Estates.

Andrew Snyder, vice president for marketing for the Alexian Brothers Health System, said he thought it was important to work with a local community organization to do a project like this before the new hospital opened in April. He said the CD includes a mix of “old standbys” and contemporary music.

“They did a really, really nice job,” he said. “I’ve received a lot of great feedback on it.”

On Tuesday, two musicians featured on the CD even made a visit to the new hospital to play music on the pediatric floor, Synder said.

“It was really fun to have them in the building,” he said.

Cheryl Wendt, director of marketing and development for the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, said the musicians were happy to partner with Alexian Brothers to help people in a unique way.

“Music heals. It has a very healing property to it so it’s a nice thing for people,” she said, adding that the CDs are not for sale to the public, but they will be distributed at the hospital for the next two years.