‘Nights At The Opera’ Put Care Home Music Lovers On Song
Arias filled the air as music-lovers at two Dorset dementia care homes dressed up in style to enjoy some of the world’s most famous operatic pieces.
Residents, families and friends at Colten Care’s The Aldbury in Poole and Fernhill in Longham sang, danced and listened to celebrations in honour of the art form.
At both homes, lounges were given theatrical-style makeovers featuring decorations, lighting and backdrops of opera posters and tickets.
Opera goers glammed up specially with ladies in pearls, feather boas and lace fans while men wore bow ties, white silk scarves and top hats.
As they took their seats, audience members were handed vintage-style opera glasses and invited to sit back and partake in bubbly and chocolates.
Performing live at Fernhill were Colten Care’s Music and Arts Partner Fiona Pritchard on French horn and her husband Kevin Pritchard, a member of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, on piano.
The pair played favourites such as the Grand March from Aida by Verdi, Vilia from The Merry Widow by Lehár and O Sole Mio by Di Capua.
“The music was just beautiful,” said resident Kiki Tormay. “It was music for the soul.”
Fellow resident Winifred Mariott agreed, adding:
“A wonderful experience, a treat to go to the opera in the afternoon.”
At The Aldbury, where lounges are named after composers, the Strauss room was transformed into an old-style opera house complete with stage lighting and curtains.
As at Fernhill, O Sole Mio proved to be a residents’ favourite. It was one of several pieces performed by visiting entertainer Derek Maddison.
Several audience members, who previously worked in music and the theatre, expressed their approval of the show.
Resident Terry Pattison said:
“Derek’s voice was very powerful, I don’t think he needed the microphone!”
The Aldbury show also helped raise funds for the residents’ charity of the year, Wildlife in Need.
Companionship Team member at The Aldbury Melissa Siat said:
“Everyone had an amazing afternoon, singing, dancing and listening to some of our favourite opera songs and all for a good cause.”
The in-house fun at both homes was in honour of World Opera Day, a cultural celebration of the art form and its rich legacy held each year on the birthday of Carmen composer Georges Bizet.