Operatic tunes set the mood for an afternoon tea
Community collaboration brings musical classics to the elderly at Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
06/09/2023
Community collaboration brings musical classics to the elderly at Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
70 local elderly people were treated to an afternoon of musical classics thanks to a community collaboration between local home care provider Bluebird Care Wiltshire North, If Opera, and the Wiltshire Music Centre.
The event certainly struck a chord with older people from across the region, who were invited to indulge in musical classics and afternoon tea at a Mad Hatter-themed celebration.
Working at the frontline of community support, our care team was aware of the need for high-quality opportunities for older people to socialise after the pandemic. We were thrilled to collaborate with If Opera and Wiltshire Music Centre to bring this cultural celebration to the area. Music is such a powerful tool to unlock happy memories and create new ones: it was a pleasure to see our guests having such a good time.
Donna James, Care Manager
Organisers hosted the musical extravaganza at the Wiltshire Music Centre to help foster new connections throughout the community after the pandemic halted many local gatherings. If Opera and the Wiltshire Music Centre aim to widen access to culture, whilst Bluebird Care Wiltshire North works to help older people to thrive at home. The community partners therefore combined forces to generate joy and ignite new passions among Wiltshire’s older generation. The collaborators were also keen to champion the power of music to connect with those who have dementia.
Five professional singers performed a packed programme of popular songs, ranging from operatic areas to show tunes and even comedy numbers by Flanders and Swann. The live music delighted the audience and prompted many fond memories of happy scenes from their youth. Bluebird Care Wiltshire North also treated guests to goodie bags containing sweet treats and body care supplies to help them to indulge long after the event.
It was wonderful to see so many older adults enjoying the music and afternoon tea. The music triggered memories for many of them, and it was lovely to hear their stories and watch them sing along. If Opera is passionate about engaging and inspiring both young and old including those with particular needs, so special projects in the wider community, including schools, social charities, and care homes are hugely important to us.
Debbie Heyden, General Manager IfOpera
Following the success of this musical collaboration, Bluebird Care Wiltshire North is planning a programme of further initiatives to help the local community to feel their best.
