Present throughout Quebec, La SAMS (Société pour les arts en milieux de santé) brings the benefits of music to vulnerable individuals, seniors, and those in healthcare settings through musical performances by professional artists.
Since its founding in 2009, La SAMS presented more than 14,300 concerts and musical activities in over 850 facilities, including hospitals, long-term care facilities (CHSLDs), senior living communities, rehabilitation centers, mental health institutions, palliative care facilities, and specialized day centers. In addition to its concerts, La SAMS created the SAM’Chante choirs for people with aphasia or Alzheimer’s disease, as well as online and live musical events to reach seniors in their homes.
With more than 1,700 concerts each year, 230 professional artists visit vulnerable and at-risk audiences to bring them joy, comfort, and kindness. The positive impact of music on physical and mental health is now widely demonstrated by numerous studies.
La SAMS the largest network of professional musicians presenting customized concerts in healthcare settings. The values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility guide the implementation of its mission every day, in a spirit of kindness and respect. Recipient of the Opus Inclusion and Diversity Award presented by the Conseil des arts de Montréal and the Conseil québécois de la musique, it has just celebrated its 16th anniversary.
The offices of La SAMS are located at the Maison de la santé durable, a space for collaboration and sharing between non-profit organizations, in order to maximize our respective and collective impact on sustainable health.
La SAMS is a registered charity. (No. 844005454 RR 0001)
Annual report
Discover La SAMS' s new impact report for the year 2024-2025.
La SAMS 2023-2024 impact report
Read the latest annual report from La SAMS and the Health Arts Societies.
La SAMS in figures
years of operation
people affected by our action
concerts produced since 2009
committed professional musicians
Frequently asked questions
- Are the artists giving the concerts paid? Yes
- Why are artists paid? Shouldn't they give the concerts voluntarily? Concerts at La SAMS are professional events and performed on a regular basis. It is therefore appropriate and necessary that the work of La SAMS 's partner artists be paid.
- La SAMS La SAMS currently presents live concerts almost everywhere in Quebec, even in the most remote regions. What's more, with our virtual initiatives, we can be present wherever there's Internet access.
- What types of music are offered? Concerts at La SAMS cover a variety of styles, from Western classical, jazz and opera to world and traditional music. Whenever possible, we are happy to cater to your specific musical needs for celebrations, themes or special requests.
- How is La SAMS financed? Most of our funding comes from donations, public grants and independent income. As a registered charity, La SAMS can issue tax receipts to its donors.
- What should an artist interested in presenting a concert with La SAMS know ?La SAMS offers classical, jazz, singer-songwriter and world music concerts as mentioned above. Musical ensembles include professional solo, duo and trio artists. Concerts at La SAMS take place year-round, day and evening, weekdays and weekends. Concerts generally last 45 minutes. Every year, La SAMS receives several applications from artists interested in presenting a concert. As capacity is limited, certain groups or instrument types may be given preference.
- Do you need volunteers? Yes, La SAMS needs volunteers in Montreal and Quebec City and for our benefit activities. If you are interested, please contact us.