To the folks at the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, who had just created an album of lullabies from around the world, it was a no-brainer — a gift worthy of a king.
This week, the orchestra dispatched a CD of “Sweet Dreams” to the new royal parents in England.
“As the world waited breathlessly for the birth of your son, we at the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra in Connecticut had no worries about the perfect baby gift for His Royal Highness,” wrote orchestra Executive Director Gina Wilson in a letter to Prince William and Kate Middleton.
“You see, babies have been very much in our thoughts these days as well!”
The album was created as background music for Danbury Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and features favorite classical and contemporary tunes long-associated with babies, including the “Irish Lullaby” and “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral.”
“It was a labor of love by our musicians and a project team including many members of the community. It responds to our understanding of much research that shows the therapeutic benefits newborn babies can receive from music,” said Ms. Wilson in the letter.
“We are delighted to present a copy of the album to Your Royal Highnesses with our sincerest congratulations on your son’s birth. It is our hope that he might enjoy many hours of peaceful rest and ‘Sweet Dreams’ to its comforting melodies.”
Later, Ms. Wilson explained in an announcement about the gift, “We couldn’t help thinking that because our collection is so beautiful, and the story behind it very meaningful, that we just wanted to share it with the most famous baby in the world.”
Will the couple will actually listen to the CD?
“They will no doubt receive thousands of gifts, but the royal family is well known for generously participating in charities serving the needs of children,” said Ms. Wilson. “William’s mother, Princess Diana, certainly left her mark in this way, so maybe they will actually hear it.
“Regardless, we know the good our CD is already doing for the babies right here in Connecticut.”
Incidentally, while the CD is not for sale, it may be obtained by making a donation of $100 or more to the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (www.ridgefieldsymphony.org or 203-438-3889).