Vale Donald Hall

Many of you would have heard the sweet sounds of Stairwell Project Harpist Donald Hall in the halls and stairwell of RBWH. Donald was a renowned academic at the Queensland University of Technology, a talented musician and Queensland’s first music therapist.

Donald sadly lost his battle with cancer in January 2020. In July this year a special memorial was held at the Brisbane City Hall Concert Series in his memory, where many people gathered to say goodbye and reminisce on the positive influence he had on their lives. View the memorial.

Stairwell Project Founder Peter Breen said that Donald was an integral part of the Stairwell Project since its inception.

“I’d just begun the Stairwell Project when I read an ABC article that described Donald as ‘the father of music therapy in Queensland’,” he said.

“I contacted him to tell him about my initiative and to seek his input and suggestions. He immediately lit up and offered to play regularly. True to his word, he began playing his harp in the RBWH foyer twice a week for many years until the COVID lockdown.

“During this time, he endeared himself to hundreds of staff, volunteers, patients and visitors with his uplifting music and remarkable performances.”

Donald is dearly missed by all who were lucky enough to meet him or hear his music.