Our musicians are largely involved in medicine and scientific research and come from a variety of institutions such as: Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The Rockefeller University, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, NYU Langone Grossman School of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. We are also proud to collaborate with conservatory students from The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, and NYU Steinhardt, as well as other dedicated community members who share our passion for music’s role in medicine.
Orchestra
The Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Orchestra brings together medical students, physicians, researchers, nurses, trainees, and members of the greater New York City community through a shared commitment to music. Founded in 2011 and revitalized in 2024, the orchestra has quickly grown into the largest and most active medical orchestra in New York City, performing five concerts a year and serving as the flagship ensemble of the Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Initiative.
Under the direction of conductor Michelle Bushkova, the orchestra presents ambitious symphonic repertoire alongside overlooked masterworks, world premieres, and collaborations with living composers. Our concerts regularly feature soloists from the medical community, highlighting the remarkable artistic talents of those dedicated to healthcare and biomedical research.
Chorus
Founded in 2026, the Weill Cornell Music and Medicine Chorus is a welcoming community of singers brought together by a shared passion for choral music. Open to members of the Tri-Institutional community and beyond, the chorus provides an opportunity for musicians of all backgrounds to continue singing while building friendships across medicine, science, and the arts.
Led by Choral Director Ethan Jankowski, the chorus explores a diverse repertoire ranging from timeless choral masterworks to contemporary works and meaningful collaborations. Whether performing a cappella, with piano, or alongside orchestra, the ensemble emphasizes expressive musicianship, thoughtful storytelling, and the joy of making music together.
The chorus is built on the idea that singing is one of the most accessible and powerful forms of music-making. Rehearsals are designed to be engaging, collaborative, and rewarding, creating an environment where experienced choral singers can continue performing at a high level while those returning to singing after years away feel equally at home.
Big Band Jazz Ensemble
The WCM Big Band Jazz Ensemble was founded in 2026 and now plays two shows a year.
Chamber Music
The WCM Chamber Music Society is composed of many small group ensembles, such as piano trios, string quartets, vocalists, and duos of all kinds. The WCM Chamber Music Society presents a full-length concert at the end of each semester and connects musicians with a variety of other performing opportunities throughout the year.
