Celebrating a Decade of Music and Connection

At Springwell Senior Living, we believe that the arts aren’t just something to be enjoyed — they’re essential to a life well lived. This belief came to life in a powerful way on May 19, when we celebrated the 10th anniversary of our extraordinary partnership with the Peabody Institute’s Musician-in-Residence (MIR) program.

Held in our beautiful chapel, the event brought together residents, staff, musicians, and special guests to reflect on a decade of meaningful musical moments that have enriched our community in countless ways. Our current Musician-in-Residence, internationally acclaimed pianist Myroslav Mykhailenko, led a heartfelt retrospective honoring the seven talented Peabody Conservatory students who have called Springwell home over the past ten years.

The celebration featured live performances, video tributes, and stories from residents, staff, and past musicians about how the program has left a lasting mark on their lives. For the live musical tribute, former MIRs Evanghelina Ciobanu (cello), Andres Felipe Palacios Rodas (guitar), and Myroslav Mykhailenko (piano) teamed up for a moving performance of "I Can’t Help Falling inLove With You” and “What a Wonderful World.” Residents and guests agreed the set captured the spirit and warmth of the Springwell community, and it was a touching reminder of how music can bridge generations, spark memories, and build deep, human connections.

Springwell was proud to be the very first senior living community to pilot the MIR concept back in 2015, welcoming guitarist Julien Xuereb as our inaugural resident musician. Since then, we’ve had the joy of hosting a remarkable group of artists — cellists, guitarists, flutists, lutenists, and pianists — who have brought their talents and passion directly into our residents’ daily lives.

“This program was born from a simple idea: that music could be more than entertainment — it could be a bridge between generations,” said Phil Golden, Executive Director and Principal of Springwell. “Ten years later, it’s become one of the most meaningful and defining parts of our community.”

The event paid tribute to each of our past musicians:

Julien Xuereb – Guitar

Sarah Lynn – Baroque Flute

Elias Leceta Gomez-Nebreda – Cello

Cameron Welke – Lute

Evanghelina Ciobanu – Cello

Andres Felipe Palacios Rodas –Guitar

Myroslav Mykhailenko – Piano

As Sarah Hoover, Associate Deanfor Innovation in the Arts and Health at Peabody, shared during the event: “Tenyears ago, Peabody’s new Musician-in-Residence program was on the leading edgeof what has become a holistic commitment — across both organizations — tointegrating the arts and health for the benefit of all.”

We’re honored to continue thislegacy, and we look forward to many more years of music, memory, and meaning at Springwell.

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