The Song Apothecary
The Song Apothecary, developed by Olivia, is a project that explores the emotional and therapeutic power of song. The project curates art songs as musical remedies — each piece chosen to soothe, uplift or give voice to a specific emotional state. Whether offering comfort in sorrow, strength in uncertainty or joy in connection, these songs reveal the timeless capacity of music to meet us where we are.
Alongside recital programmes, 1-1 sessions in the community and group workshops, the project extends into a series of short-form video interviews. These feature conversations with members of the public as well as other musicians, artists, poets and therapists, who reflect on the songs which have meant something to them at key moments in their lives. Whether it’s a Lied that helped someone through heartbreak, a chanson that carried them during illness or a melody tied to joy or growth, each story highlights the deeply personal and unique relationship we can have with music.
At its core, The Song Apothecary is about reimagining how we connect with classical music, not as something distant or exclusive but as something deeply human.
Social Prescribing
Social prescribing is an expanding approach within the NHS and community health services, with growing evidence that connecting people to cultural and creative activities can significantly reduce loneliness, anxiety, and social isolation. With more than 1,500 link workers now active across the UK, The Song Apothecary offers a distinctive way to embed the proven benefits of music into social prescribing pathways. By offering song as an accessible form of emotional support, the project aligns closely with the core values of social prescribing.
Nordlied Festival Hamburg
In November 2025 we hosted our first group event in collaboration with the Nordlied Festival at the Tonali Saal in Hamburg under the name liederapotheke. Led by Psychologist and dialogue facilitator Joanna Bouchi-Häfner, pianist Linda Leine and soprano Olivia Warburton, participants were encouraged to listen, reflect, and interact with songs carefully chosen as an antidote many of life’s challenges. Following the success of this event, the trio have been invited to present further workshops at venues in Germany and the UK. Subscribe to our mailing list for news and future events.
“In my 19 years at the Royal Academy of Music, I have met few students who have developed such a passion for Lieder. Olivia belongs to that rare breed who internalise everything they sing: songs seem to come from somewhere deep within her.”
“ I can’t think of a more inspiring project than ‘The Song Apothecary’”
“Olivia has enormous entrepreneurial energy, and I am convinced that The Song Apothecary will achieve the same sort of celebrity as The Poetry Pharmacy.”