Otakar Kraus Music Trust
892. Margaret Lobo
Dr Margaret Lobo, from London, is the founder of the ‘Otakar Kraus Music Trust’, a charity that provides music therapy for people of all ages who face a range of physical, psychological and behavioural difficulties.
The charity was established in 1991 by Margaret and her husband Walter in a music studio in their back garden and is named after the Czech born English baritone who helped Margaret regain her voice after it was damaged. The charity delivers nearly 3,000 individual and over 600 group music therapy sessions each year for over 230 people across London and the South East of England. The Trust has 11 part-time staff made up of seven qualified music therapists who teach inclusive sessions in which participants can experiment with a range of instruments and allows them to express themselves creatively.
In a personal letter to Margaret, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“Through the ‘Otakar Kraus Music Trust’, you are empowering people who face a range of mental, physical and behavioural difficulties by providing them with accessible and creative music therapy classes. Since founding the charity in 1991 with your husband Walter, you have improved the wellbeing of thousands of people and helped them to gain greater confidence as well as new skills.”
Margaret said:
“I am honoured to receive this award from the Prime Minister and privileged to have been able to help thousands of people with disabilities to benefit from music therapy. Music touches our innermost being and brings joy and self-fulfilment.”