World Doctors Orchestra

The World Doctors Orchestra (WDO) combines the joy of great music with global medical responsibility. Founded in 2008, the orchestra has grown from 60 participants from 12 countries in the first session to more than 1,800 doctors from 60 countries. By 2023, WDO has performed 40 concert sessions all over the world, raising nearly 2 million Euros in donations for medical charity.

Four times a year, around 100 physicians from numerous countries meet for several days of intensive rehearsals to then exchange their white coats for evening attire and perform charity concerts. The proceeds from each concert session go to selected medical aid organizations. In addition to the direct financial contribution, the organizations benefit substantially from the international solidarity and media attention associated with WDO concerts.

The WDO is set up as an independent non-profit association driven by the spirit of the orchestra members. The participants cover their own travel expenses as well as donating towards the session expenses, while local costs are kept as low as possible. Although all of the physicians share a passion for music, the driving force behind WDO is the conviction that neither national borders nor political or economic interests should limit access to adequate healthcare. With its series of charity concerts, WDO strives to raise global awareness that healthcare is a basic human right and a precondition for human development.