Testimonials
Please take a moment to read some of the many wonderful testimonials from hospitals, hospices, funerals, nursing homes, rituals and private sessions.
Hospitals & Hospices
Vincent’s Hospitals: Caritas Christi Palliative Care and St Georges hospital - Dementia and Geriatrics
Dear Janet,
Please accept this official letter of thanks for the wonderful service you have given to St Vincent’s facilities (Caritas Christi and St George’s, dementia pilot program) for the last 6 months. You have made a generous and compassionate contribution to the lives of those you have supported. What you have given is greatly appreciated and will be remembered by all. We wish you nothing but good health and happiness over the coming years. Our staff, residents and patients will miss you greatly.
With warm regards and thanks,
Kate Bellamy, Volunteer Services Department, St Vincent’s hospitals Melbourne
Please accept this official letter of thanks for the wonderful service you have given to St Vincent’s facilities (Caritas Christi and St George’s, dementia pilot program) for the last 6 months. You have made a generous and compassionate contribution to the lives of those you have supported. What you have given is greatly appreciated and will be remembered by all. We wish you nothing but good health and happiness over the coming years. Our staff, residents and patients will miss you greatly.
With warm regards and thanks,
Kate Bellamy, Volunteer Services Department, St Vincent’s hospitals Melbourne
St Vincent's, Caritas Christi, Pastoral Care
Dear Janet
As you know very well I greatly appreciate your devotion and dedication to people who need comfort. You express your compassion through your inspired music. I have personally witnessed the peace it gives to sick people whom we have visited together.
Fr Albert Said SJ - Chaplain at Caritas Christi, Kew
As you know very well I greatly appreciate your devotion and dedication to people who need comfort. You express your compassion through your inspired music. I have personally witnessed the peace it gives to sick people whom we have visited together.
Fr Albert Said SJ - Chaplain at Caritas Christi, Kew
Monash Medical Hospital
I first met Janet when she was engaged to play her harp at the opening of a Monash Heart art exhibition. Her beautiful soft and gentle music making set the perfect tone for the event, which included former patients of Monash Heart, many of who had survived a life threatening event. I was very taken by Janet's gentle music making and the ambience she created through her sensitivity to the occasion for the Monash Heart which included paintings by patients who had survived a heart attack.
Subsequently, Janet very kindly and generously offered to volunteer to play her harp at McCulloch House, and has brought much comfort and peace to our palliative care patients. I am very grateful to Janet for the wonderful voluntary contribution she has made to the compassionate care of our palliative care patients at Monash Health and I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
Barbara Yeoh, Chair – Monash Health Board, McCulloch House, Palliative Care
Subsequently, Janet very kindly and generously offered to volunteer to play her harp at McCulloch House, and has brought much comfort and peace to our palliative care patients. I am very grateful to Janet for the wonderful voluntary contribution she has made to the compassionate care of our palliative care patients at Monash Health and I wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
Barbara Yeoh, Chair – Monash Health Board, McCulloch House, Palliative Care
Monash, McCulloch House Palliative Care
Janet has generously volunteered her time at our facility to bring music to many of our palliative patients. She has an incredible passion for music in health and believes deeply in the power of music as an intervention that brings comfort and connection.
She has at times been the doorway through which patients have stepped into greater experiences of music’s benefits.
One such patient had initially declined music therapy, however after experiencing Janet’s gentle harp music in her room she commented “I didn’t think I really did like music, until the lady came and played the harp for me. It was just beautiful”. Music then became an integral part of this patient’s terminal care. As a music therapist I very much value and support musicians in health and collaboration with them.
Annelids Way - Music Therapy, McCulloch House palliative care, Monash Health
She has at times been the doorway through which patients have stepped into greater experiences of music’s benefits.
One such patient had initially declined music therapy, however after experiencing Janet’s gentle harp music in her room she commented “I didn’t think I really did like music, until the lady came and played the harp for me. It was just beautiful”. Music then became an integral part of this patient’s terminal care. As a music therapist I very much value and support musicians in health and collaboration with them.
Annelids Way - Music Therapy, McCulloch House palliative care, Monash Health
Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne
Janet, on behalf of The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation staff, Auxiliary members and their guests I want to thank you most sincerely for your musical contribution during The RCH Annual General Meeting on Saturday 27th July at the Myer Mural Hall. The room looked sensational and when you began to play in that lovely setting it made the picture complete.
Janet we are aware of your kind heart and great compassion with the parents and the sick children at the hospital and you have our heartfelt thanks for donating your time and musical talent to complete our AGM. You added value to an event at which other passionate and dedicated people were able to enjoy themselves whilst listening to your beautiful music.
Robyn Anderson, President of Auxiliaries, Royal Children’s hospital, Melbourne.
The Valley and South Eastern Private hospitals
The Valley Private and South Eastern Private Hospitals
For something a little different, over the past few months we hired Janet Borg to play the harp rotating through different wards in our hospitals.
The harp worked especially well in the palliative care ward and one of the patients even asked Janet to play at her funeral. Janet allowed patients to have a turn on her harp as well which they loved.
Thank you Janet for adding to our lovely soothing atmosphere here in our hospitals. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Neil Henderson, CEO - The Valley and South Eastern Private Hospitals, Health Care
Janet we are aware of your kind heart and great compassion with the parents and the sick children at the hospital and you have our heartfelt thanks for donating your time and musical talent to complete our AGM. You added value to an event at which other passionate and dedicated people were able to enjoy themselves whilst listening to your beautiful music.
Robyn Anderson, President of Auxiliaries, Royal Children’s hospital, Melbourne.
The Valley and South Eastern Private hospitals
The Valley Private and South Eastern Private Hospitals
For something a little different, over the past few months we hired Janet Borg to play the harp rotating through different wards in our hospitals.
The harp worked especially well in the palliative care ward and one of the patients even asked Janet to play at her funeral. Janet allowed patients to have a turn on her harp as well which they loved.
Thank you Janet for adding to our lovely soothing atmosphere here in our hospitals. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Neil Henderson, CEO - The Valley and South Eastern Private Hospitals, Health Care
Royal Womens Hospital
Dear Janet, I write to express sincerest thanks for the contribution you have made to the peace and wellbeing of the oncology patients you played to here at the Women’s. Janet, you are passionate, dedicated and sensitive to the needs of those you play to.
Through you, your harp sings gently, beautifully and directly to their souls. Thank you...
Dilys Luciani, Volunteer Coordinator, Royal Women’s Hospital
Through you, your harp sings gently, beautifully and directly to their souls. Thank you...
Dilys Luciani, Volunteer Coordinator, Royal Women’s Hospital
Melbourne Private Hospital
In October 2012 Melbourne Private Hospital conducted several health promotion activities in line with Mental Health Week. In order to raise awareness, Janet Borg played the harp in the Hospital Foyer. This beautiful sounding instrument softened what can often be described as a very sterile and frightening environment. The sounds of the harp helped soothe visitors who were waiting patiently for lifts and or visiting sick relatives. “The music made the environment harmonious” Secretary, Markville Anaesthetics, “Hearing the harp echo from the foyer created a sense of calm” Melbourne Private Hospital Preadmission Nurse
Bridget Monaco, Quality Manager, Melbourne Private Hospital
Bridget Monaco, Quality Manager, Melbourne Private Hospital
Rituals
St Pauls Cathedral Melbourne – concert ‘Blessings with the harp’
Janet plays a solo harp in a way that is extraordinarily beautiful and her presence uplifts all who witness her playing.
The music she creates is embedded with both soul and spirit and she creates an ambience full of love and healing.
The people she plays for are often ill, even terminally ill, and without fail she touches them all. Thank you Janet for your generous heart and your elevating presence.
Dr. Peter Ellyard, Chairman of the Preferred Futures Institute and the Preferred Futures Group
(‘Blessings with the harp’ concert, St Pauls Cathedral, May 2013)
The music she creates is embedded with both soul and spirit and she creates an ambience full of love and healing.
The people she plays for are often ill, even terminally ill, and without fail she touches them all. Thank you Janet for your generous heart and your elevating presence.
Dr. Peter Ellyard, Chairman of the Preferred Futures Institute and the Preferred Futures Group
(‘Blessings with the harp’ concert, St Pauls Cathedral, May 2013)
Way of the Cross – St Francis Church to St Pauls Cathedral - Easter Sunday procession, 2013
Janet Borg provided meditative harp accompaniment for the Melbourne City Churches Together Way of the Cross 2013. This is the largest Melbourne City Churches Together-sponsored event, and regularly brings together thousands of people in sharing in prayer and reflection on the death of Christ on Good Friday. Janet’s playing was intuitive and provided a gentle, and much valued, invitation to reflection and prayer.
The Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe, Dean of Melbourne, St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Very Revd Dr Andreas Loewe, Dean of Melbourne, St. Paul’s Cathedral
Funerals
We were extremely happy on the day of my wife’s funeral mass service at ‘The Good Shepherd’ where Janet played beautifully on her Harp, she was very professional and her experience showed. (She played for her at The Royal Womens hospital and she wanted her at her funeral) Everybody was amazed with her playing and the way she performed with her chimes.
Kind Regards, Roger Spiteri
Kind Regards, Roger Spiteri
It is my great pleasure to write a testimonial for Janet Borg. Janet, is a charming and gifted harpist whom my husband and I first met at the Caritas Christi Hospice in Kew Victoria, where Janet was giving her time on a regular basis to play for the patients at the hospice.
My husband found Janet’s music to be so comforting and peaceful that he asked me to arrange to have Janet play at his Celebration of Life ceremony – and the new Governor General, Peter Cosgrove also attended. Janet agreed to do so and many people at the ceremony remarked on her wonderful talent and beautiful music.
Kind Regards, Sue Presgrave
My husband found Janet’s music to be so comforting and peaceful that he asked me to arrange to have Janet play at his Celebration of Life ceremony – and the new Governor General, Peter Cosgrove also attended. Janet agreed to do so and many people at the ceremony remarked on her wonderful talent and beautiful music.
Kind Regards, Sue Presgrave
Aged Care
Blue Cross- Willowmeade, Hi Care
Janet has a great empathy with Dementia Residents. She is able to engage with them through her abilities with the Harp and other musical instruments. They respond well with her program and the Head Nurse could not stop singing her praises.
We have no hesitation to recommend her to other Aged Care Homes
Kaye Weller, L&L Coordinator Willowmeade
We have no hesitation to recommend her to other Aged Care Homes
Kaye Weller, L&L Coordinator Willowmeade
Blue Cross – Mills Park
On Valentine’s Day we held a couples lunch for the marriage couples that reside here at The Boulevard.
Whilst the decorated formal dining room and lunch in itself was special, the atmosphere wouldn’t have been the same without the beautiful Janet on her harp.
Janet dressed the part in a tasteful flowing gown and heels; she played beautifully and moved around the room delicately playing her instrument between each couple. She related well to the residents and openly answered their questions about the harp and her experience. She also shared her soul music around other areas of the facility so everyone could experience the serenity.I would highly recommend Janet for any special events.
Meg Willis, Lifestyle Coordinator, Blue Cross Mills Park
Whilst the decorated formal dining room and lunch in itself was special, the atmosphere wouldn’t have been the same without the beautiful Janet on her harp.
Janet dressed the part in a tasteful flowing gown and heels; she played beautifully and moved around the room delicately playing her instrument between each couple. She related well to the residents and openly answered their questions about the harp and her experience. She also shared her soul music around other areas of the facility so everyone could experience the serenity.I would highly recommend Janet for any special events.
Meg Willis, Lifestyle Coordinator, Blue Cross Mills Park
Blue Cross – Kew
The residents have enjoyed Janet’s playing of the Harp immensely; during both their Christmas Eve High Tea and at the recent St. Valentine’s Day afternoon tea.
Janet displays genuine warmth and interacts gently with each of the residents, encouraging them to experience the touch of the Harp and strings and chimes. The Christmas Eve event was held in the courtyard, and prior to the playing of the Harp, Janet visited all the corridors of the residence, swinging beautiful wind chimes to invite and welcome residents to join her. Janet’s St. Valentine’s Day performance complemented the resident’s afternoon tea and the residents gave numerous compliments and we welcome her back for future performances.
Jacinta Jarutis Lifestyle Coordinator, BlueCross Highgrove, Kew
Janet displays genuine warmth and interacts gently with each of the residents, encouraging them to experience the touch of the Harp and strings and chimes. The Christmas Eve event was held in the courtyard, and prior to the playing of the Harp, Janet visited all the corridors of the residence, swinging beautiful wind chimes to invite and welcome residents to join her. Janet’s St. Valentine’s Day performance complemented the resident’s afternoon tea and the residents gave numerous compliments and we welcome her back for future performances.
Jacinta Jarutis Lifestyle Coordinator, BlueCross Highgrove, Kew
Patients
Twelve months ago I arrived at the Royal Women's Hospital for my first chemotherapy treatment. I was feeling quite tense and apprehensive, when into the treatment room, came this delightful little figure in a long gown carrying a harp. It was "Janet". She danced around the room whilst playing it, looking for all the world like a little nymph. Immediately I was captivated by her presence and music. What a DELIGHT!
Thank you so much Janet, you made me feel confident and happy.
Best Wishes Judith Brand, Tieve Tara Gardens
PS. A year later, Judith called me to play at her husband’s 80th birthday in her divine gardens - and then the following year for Cancer Research Fundraiser.
Thank you so much Janet, you made me feel confident and happy.
Best Wishes Judith Brand, Tieve Tara Gardens
PS. A year later, Judith called me to play at her husband’s 80th birthday in her divine gardens - and then the following year for Cancer Research Fundraiser.