Present throughout Quebec, La SAMS (Société pour les arts en milieu de santé) brings the benefits of music to people who are vulnerable, elderly or living in healthcare environments, through musical performances by professional artists.
Since its creation in 2009, La SAMS has presented over 11,500 concerts and musical activities in more than 850 establishments: hospitals, residential and long-term care centers (CHSLD), seniors' residences, rehabilitation centers, mental health institutes, palliative care and specialized day centers. In addition to its concerts, La SAMS has created the SAM'Chante choirs, for people with aphasia or Alzheimer's, as well as online and live musical rendezvous, to reach seniors at home.
With over 1,300 concerts a year, nearly 200 professional artists reach out to vulnerable audiences to bring them happiness, comfort and kindness. The impact of music on physical and mental health is now widely proven by numerous studies.
La SAMS is the largest network of professional musicians presenting customized concerts in healthcare settings. It is the recipient of the Prix Opus Inclusion et Diversité awarded by the Conseil des arts de Montréal and the Conseil québécois de la musique. La SAMS is currently celebrating its 15th 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.
Annual report
Discover La SAMS 's new impact report for 2023-2024.
Check out the latest annual report from La SAMS and Health Arts Societies (2022-2023).
La SAMS is aregistered charity. (No. 844005454 RR 0001)
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.