Feinstein’s Generosity Music To Refugees’ Ears

By Em Allen on December 12, 2013 in News

With the coalition government setting out new rules for refugees in detention, the stress levels for those incarcerated are drastically increasing.

However, local musician Philip Feinstein believes that music can help relieve their stress and anxiety. Feinstein has been teaching music to adult and child detainees at the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney for the past four years and he has organised the donation of more than 5 pianos, 45 guitars and many other instruments to those behind the wire.

“I strongly believe that music is a great stress reliever for people who are traumatised,” Feinstein said.

“These refugees are human beings under enormous stress. So no matter who we are, or what our political standing is, we can help.”

Feinstein also presented the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in Marsfield with two guitars, a huge keyboard, a trumpet and a ukulele for the refugees under their care.

“Refugees living around the Marsfield/Epping area will be most grateful for this relief from their daily stress,” Mr Bish Zahinda, a caseworker at the centre, said.

In keeping with music for refugees theme, Feinstein recently organised the first ever orchestra to play at Villawood. The Symphonia Jubilate orchestra was a great hit and they will be heading back to entertain the refugees again soon.

“It was great fun being able to play such a pivotal role in bringing some pleasure to these unfortunate people,” Tracy Burja, conductor and organiser of the orchestra, said.

Members of the public can learn more about Feinstein’s music projects and various instrument drop-off points by emailing him on philipf9@bigpond.net.au.