8 Sep 2024
Introducing Melodic Moments, our new Dementia-Friendly series
This Autumn we are launching a new series of five dementia-friendly concerts in Derby, following the success of our Big Give fundraising campaign earlier this year.
Melodic Moments will be held at Derby’s Museum of Making every other month, starting on Tuesday 15 October.
The relaxed one-hour afternoon concerts will feature a small group of musicians and a programme of accessible music chosen to particularly resonate with people living with dementia who can enjoy the experience alongside their family and carers.
The Italian Mill at the Museum of Making has been chosen as the venue for all the concerts as it is an informal space where the audience can move about freely, respond to the music in their own way, or just sit back and enjoy the experience.
Tea and cake
Tea and cake (included in the ticket price) are provided after the concert and audience members are welcome explore the museum before or after each performance.
We have drawn on expertise gained through nationally-recognised education and community work to design the Melodic Moments series. This includes award-winning, family-friendly concerts; work with disabled people; the Sing Viva carers’ choir in Derby; and a specialist project working with people in Lincolnshire, Suffolk and Essex who are living with dementia to empower them to express themselves and communicate through music.
We have joined forces with musician and presenter Caroline Welsh who will introduce the music and lead the interaction with the audience.
CEO Lucy Galliard explains:
“Our extensive experience of working with a wide range of communities, including people living with dementia, coupled with Caroline’s reputation as an engaging and empathetic presenter, will create something very unique and special for audiences.
“People living with dementia and their carers can face challenges in social interaction which can result in loneliness, isolation, and reduced wellbeing. There are numerous barriers to participation in group activities such as concerts, with a lack of bespoke opportunities which meet their specific needs and place them, and those who care for them, at the heart of the activity.
“Our aim is to create a safe, warm and inclusive environment to enjoy some wonderful and high quality classical music and then come together to chat over tea and cake. We are grateful to everyone who supported our Big Give fundraising campaign earlier this year and to the McLay Dementia Fund and we hope to be able to expand this programme further afield in the East Midlands in the future.”
Melodic Moments concerts
Tickets cost £9.50 with a free carer place for each ticket bought
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