Last week, the South Carolina Philharmonic orchestra became an important part of an intriguing new program. Teaming with Arts Capacity, a charitable 501(c)3 which focuses on bringing live chamber music, art, artists and composers to prisons, the S.C. Philharmonic has planned a series of concert programs to be performed in South Carolina correctional facilities.

Holly Mulcahy, the founder of Arts Capacity who is also an acclaimed classical violinist and concertmaster in her own right, said in the press release announcing the program that this new series of performances fits right in with her non-profit’s goal of helping people in need through the power of art, culture, communication and live music to cope with challenges and develop the capacity to experience change for good.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the South Carolina Philharmonic to channel the potent force of music, not only within prison walls but also through the corridors of family connections and community bonds," Mulcahy said in the press release. "In uniting our efforts, our aim is to cultivate healing, strengthen familial ties, and spur personal growth among participants. Through this partnership, we aspire to build a future where the impact extends far beyond the correctional system, influencing positive outcomes within families and communities.”

And there is evidence to back up Mulcahy’s vision. The American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy & The Law recently published an article by Ajente Kamalanathan detailing the benefits of music programs, and programs about the arts in general, in prisons.

“When inmates engage in the liberal arts, their social and cognitive skills improve,” Kamalanathan wrote. “Strong social and cognitive skills make the transition back into society much more easily. Whether it is reconnecting with family or wanting to further education, the skills that the inmates learn from the art programs in prison help them achieve their goals once they are released.”

In fact, there’s already an existing music program for prisons that operates out of Charleston. Jazz musician Steve Simon and his band, the Kings of Jazz, have played shows at places like Perry Correctional Institute in Pelzer, S.C., giving prisoners their own donated instruments to practice and perform on and even bringing some of them up to the mic for vocal performances.

“It is a profound honor to stand alongside the South Carolina Philharmonic in bringing the uplifting essence of music to incarcerated individuals in South Carolina," Mulcahy said. "Music, with its ability to transcend barriers, has the potential to not only uplift spirits but also fortify the foundations of families and communities. We are eager to share our passion with those who stand to benefit the most from its transformative effects, and in doing so, contribute to building a future that embraces the power of interconnectedness and shared growth."

The inaugural concert is schedule to occur later this year at the Camille Graham Correctional Center in Columbia, S.C., and Mulcahy said in the press release that she hopes this performance properly represents Arts Capacity’s groundbreaking efforts to harness the power of music both for social good and to make a lasting impact on the lives of incarcerated individuals in South Carolina.