It was a hot Friday morning, the day before the Fourth of July, and the Alexander Cohen Hospice House was hushed amidst the summer heat rolling in from the nearby orchards. Suddenly, but gently, the strains of a lone violin drifted through the hallways, stopping those who overheard the lovely music playing from a patient’s room nearby. The music wasn’t piped in or playing on a radio station, but a live concert and last gift from one violinist to another.
Sidney Voight grew up with a passion for classical music. Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 1914, Sidney began playing the violin in the fourth grade after his mother enrolled him in music classes. As Sidney grew up, his love for music and the violin grew and became a profession. In his early twenties, Sidney travelled West with his young wife Beatrice and played in big bands along the way to make a living.
In 1946, Sidney and Beatrice moved to Modesto, where he taught music in local school districts for over 30 years, retiring in 1976. Throughout the years, Sidney shared his appreciation for music and particularly the violin to his students, peers and the community at large. In the 1950’s, Sidney was recruited by Frank Mancini to join the Modesto Symphony, eventually taking on the role of Concert Master for a period of time. It was a connection that would eventually come full circle during the last days of Sidney’s life.
Although Sidney and his wife did not have any children, they had several close nephews and family members. It was Sidney’s nephew Bob Kaiser who was at Sidney’s bedside during those last days of Sidney’s life at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House. Bob remembers visiting Sidney at his home during the last few years, and watching Sidney pull out a tape from his large collection of concerts. According to Bob, those tapes helped Sidney remember his life story and experiences.
“Sidney used to sit at his kitchen table, tilt his chair back and close his eyes,” said Bob. “I know that in those moments, he was remembering events from his life triggered by the music.” When Hospice House Social Worker Kristi Smith learned of Sidney’s professional past as a violinist, she suggested a live concert in his room. Bob recalled his surprise at the suggestion, and his eventual awe when the impromptu concert happened shortly thereafter. Sidney’s private concert was the result of a recent informal collaboration between Community Hospice and the Modesto Symphony.
Many dying patients respond to music because hearing is one of the only senses to remain at the end of life. With this in mind, both organizations agreed that when possible, they would partner to bring music to patients who request it at the end of life. As Modesto Symphony violinist Don Grishaw began to play in Sidney’s room, Bob remembered these earlier kitchen scenes.
“When the music started, I knew that Sidney could hear everything and comprehended what was happening,” said Bob. “Sidney opened his eyes periodically and had a small smile on his face. I really believe Sidney was remembering scenes from his life. It was beautiful to witness.”
Don Grishaw was just as awed by the experience.
As for Sidney’s concert, Bob Kaiser videotaped the entire episode and played it over and over again for Sidney on his laptop at his bedside. Sidney passed away the next day, on Saturday, July 4th, to the strains of lone violin playing nearby.