This year, to commemorate Health Awareness Week (15-21 May), pianist RIOPY releases anxiety-relieving track ‘Meditation 111’, commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation.
The track aims to be easy to play by everyone, regardless of their ability. The scope of this piece is to spread awareness about mental health and also to relieve anxiety symptoms thanks to the power of music. RIOPY focused on anxiety because it is one of the most common mental health issues in the UK.
‘Meditation 111’ is a repetitive, simple composition that can be played with three fingers and learned in one hour. It was conceived to inspire a meditative and calm state in the performer or listener. The ‘111’ is a reminder of the NHS 111 helpline, which UK residents can call for urgent mental health support.
The artist himself is very conscious about this issue: he declared that he suffered from anxiety, depression and OCD and music was a comfort. RIOPY said: “It is an honor to partner with the Mental Health Foundation for Mental Health Awareness Week this year. As someone who has struggled with poor mental health for most of my life, music has been a great source of solace and calm. It is not an exaggeration to say that the piano saved my life. I hope that, by sharing this piece with the world, I can bring the restorative power of music to others who are also suffering.
People are encouraged to learn and play the song through the online tutorial, and share their performances on social media: the campaign wants to encourage people to engage in creative work, such as music, in order to improve mental health
Words by Miriam Viscusi
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