BSO Care Homes Concerts: Bringing joy and connection to older adults through music
- Community Programme
Bristol Beacon delivers a series of innovative and heartfelt initiatives for older adults in the community. Through the transformative power of music, our programmes aim to improve the wellbeing of older adults, foster community and reduce social isolation.
One of our flagship initiative includes the concerts for care homes. These concerts, held in beautiful venues like Bristol Cathedral, bring live orchestral music directly to care home residents. The impact of these events is profound, offering not just entertainment but also a sense of connection and community.
In June 2024, we welcomed 200 residents from our city’s care homes to Bristol Cathedral for an intimate performance with our orchestra in residence, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
We spoke to one of managers from Bristol Care Homes who describes below the impact that the concert had on the care home residents as a group.
The Care Concert, delivered in collaboration with Bristol Beacon and Bristol Care Homes, had a wonderful impact on the residents from our four nursing homes. While they usually enjoy a variety of activities, day trips, and events, this concert offered a special sense of inclusion and connection.
Music has a way of bringing back memories, and for Merrill, a resident at Glebe House, it reminded her of her musical family. She recalled her husband playing the piano and her daughter performing with the Brighton Youth Orchestra. She also noted how the cathedral’s height enhanced the music, giving it an even more powerful sound.
The concert moved residents in diverse ways. Gillian, for example, could not resist the urge to sway with the music, her arms gracefully waving in the air as a bright smile lit up her face. She was completely absorbed in the moment, feeling pure joy and contentment.
Graham, another resident, felt a strong sense of community, amazed by the size of the crowd, and thrilled to be part of it. He found joy in watching others enjoy the concert alongside him.
Walter, a resident with a deep passion for classical and orchestral music, was completely captivated by the concert, enjoying his favourite melodies in the stunning setting of the cathedral. The experience left him eager to attend more performances, and he has since enjoyed a concert at Bristol Beacon, featuring the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
Bristol Care Homes Manager
Family members also appreciated the experience. Sue, who attended with her mother, was grateful for the chance to share such a special moment together. She praised how well-organised and welcoming the event was, and the happiness she saw in her mother was priceless.
The concert was a topic of conversation for weeks afterward in all four homes. Beautiful portraits taken by photographer Alastair Brookes will be displayed in the care homes, serving as a lasting reminder of this special event that celebrates life and the people in care.’’
Our work with older adults
Our work with older adults includes the following projects:
- Annual Care Home Concerts at Bristol Cathedral delivered in partnership with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
- Care home concerts and events in memory cafes
- Our Music Club for adults with dementia
Creative Health & Wellbeing
Creative Health & Wellbeing
Projects, groups and events that use music to support people’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing at every stage of life.
More community programmes
More community programmes
Our community programmes – Creative Health & Wellbeing, Care Experienced Young People, Music & Disability, Festivals & Events – bring people together through the power of music.
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