“Greek mythology tells us that Apollo set out from the island of Delos every morning with his lyre in hand, bringing light, music and healing to the world. We at Delos share the awareness that our world needs the balm of music.” —Amelia S. Haygood, Delos Founder (1919-2007)

The above quote from Delos Founder Amelia Haygood has been at the center of Delos operations more than ever in recent days. With the release of Carol Rosenberger’s new memoir, To Play Again, outlining her musical journey to recovery after polio, the connection of music and healing has been at the forefront. In fact, Delos artist Lucy Mauro used the same quote in her review of the book and then turned it to say that Amelia would likely say today that “the world needs the inspirational story of To Play Again.”

And so it’s no surprise that the recent story of violinist Leonidas Kavakos (who has a Delos release of his own) bringing the healing power of music into a neonatal intensive care unit caught our attention. At the request of the doctor, Kavakos played Bach for the infants in the ward:

“After a few minutes, a miracle happened. Their heartbeats began to calm down and the music proved to be a medicine. Some of the infants were only hours or days old. Yet their reaction to the music was immediate. ‘It was an experience that I will never forget,’ said Kavakos.”

Amelia, who was a highly respected clinical psychologist before she switched careers to start a record label, considered Delos’ “Family Classics” to be among our most important ongoing projects. Our “Baby Needs” recordings have received worldwide recognition as the finest series ever produced for the very young.

Perchance to Dream, a Lullaby Album for Children and Adults, was the precursor in this series, and in Amelia’s words “was welcomed for every human situation, beginning with the pre-natal. Parents found that it had a remarkably positive effect on infant behavior. We are gratified that the calming effect of this CD has provided solace to the very ill in hospital and hospice. Our aim with the entire ‘Baby Needs’ series is to call parents’ attention to the enrichment potential of such music for the very young. It has brought comfort and beauty to all ages; and parents comment that they are experiencing great music along with their children, having missed the opportunity themselves in schools that had cut out music programs.”