Member Article

Home welcomes top orchestra for council art project

A Withernsea care home has welcomed one of the UK’s leading orchestras as part of a Hull City of Culture 2017 art project.

Residents and staff at Tamarix Lodge, a residential care home which is operated by Hica Group, enjoyed a live performance from the Manchester Camerata Orchestra as part of the new ‘Classically Yours’ project.

The year-long scheme, which is funded and operated by Arts Council England, East Riding Council and national music charity Orchestras Live, is set to bring more classical live music to East Riding as part of a celebration of Hull City of Culture 2017.

Alison Bedford, manager at Tamarix Lodge, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our residents to enjoy some of their favourite classical music and to be part of a community wide art project to celebrate their city.

“Thanks to Arts Council England, the local council and Orchestras Live, we all enjoyed an extra activity which promotes the mental health and wellbeing of our residents. Classical music is proven to be relaxing for those with dementia, and we notice a very calming effect on our residents when they listen to music.

“We know that Manchester Camerata has a great understanding of performing for older people and people with dementia. The orchestra runs its own dementia therapy programme, which meant the performance was not only enjoyable, but also fully supported our residents needs.”

Musicians from Manchester Camerata, along with composer Richard Taylor will be working with Tamarix Lodge, as well as other groups, care homes, schools and organisations in Beverley and Withernsea, to compose new music. The final composition will be performed at the Meridian Centre, Withernsea on Saturday February 25 at 2pm.

Community arts officer for East Riding Council, June Mitchell, said: “It really is a coup to have some of the best orchestras in the country performing in our community. I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to hear them and also be part of the creative process by participating in and supporting the projects in Pocklington and Withernsea.

“‘Classically Yours’ is part of the East Riding’s celebration of Hull UK City of Culture 2017 and we hope to increase the amount of high quality music available in the county and encourage more participation in arts and culture through the scheme.”

The project is set to continue until next January, when a final concert will culminate with the new music composed over the course of the year into a large scale performance at Bridlington Spa on Sunday January 28 2018.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .