CBSO Musicians Making a Difference to People Living With Dementia at ExtraCare’s Birmingham Retirement Villages

Don Bird aged 85 and his 83 years-old wife Theresa also went along to the workshops at Longbridge Village. ‘Just after we moved into the village Don was diagnosed with the beginning of dementia and his memory has got worse,’ said Theresa.

‘Don and I have always liked music. Don used to play the piano and there’s an electric organ in our hallway, but he has macular degeneration and can’t see the keys and so he doesn’t play it now.

‘The CBSO musicians came to the village for a series of workshops and they were excellent. I used to find myself looking forward to the workshops.

‘Don would come out of the workshops brighter, even ready to have a meal in the restaurant although he’s not a great eater. It was absolutely super.’

The sessions are improvisation-led, with residents communicating their ideas through rhythms, discussion and using instruments.

CBSO violinist David Gregory said: ‘We have met some wonderful individuals on this project, whose characters really shine through in the music we make. Whatever stage they are at with their condition, we are all equal in the circle, communicating with music instead of words. ‘

Residents have also enjoyed chamber music performances from CBSO Ensembles within the village, as well as a programme of relaxed concerts.

The CBSO Baroque Ensemble will be at Longbridge Village on Monday May 21st from 3-4pm for an afternoon of world class baroque music.

ExtraCare’s work with the CBSO is one of many on site activities at the charity’s villages which have included the Birmingham Jazz festival, resident choirs, Zumba, Tai Chi and wheelchair aerobics.

A three year study with Aston University has found that the impact of The ExtraCare Charitable Trust’s integrated housing, care and lifestyle model delivers significant improvements in psychological well-being, memory and social interaction.

In 2016 the charity won ‘Outstanding Approach to Innovation’ at the UK Housing Awards for its work supporting residents living with dementia.

The ExtraCare Charitable Trust

ExtraCare is a registered charity established in 1988 and based in Coventry. Our vision is better lives for older people and our mission is creating sustainable communities that provide homes older people want, lifestyles they can enjoy and care if it’s needed. To deliver our vision and mission we essentially do three things:

• We develop new villages
• We operate villages and schemes
• We support our villages, schemes and our ‘extra-care’ model through fundraising, advocacy and research

Each village or scheme has 5 to 18 social, health and leisure facilities that are accessible to our residents, volunteers and local people representing all age groups living in surrounding communities. Our Charity Shops help fund care and well-being services for older people living at our each of our locations. www.extracare.org.uk

About the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO)

Based at Birmingham’s spectacular Symphony Hall, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and its ensembles give over 150 concerts each year in the UK and worldwide, playing a wide range of music including everything from Wagner operas to world premieres, film music and family concerts. With a far-reaching education and community programme, four choruses and a Youth Orchestra, it is involved with every aspect of music-making in the Midlands. But at its heart is a team of 90 superb professional musicians, and a 98-year tradition of making the world’s greatest music.

The orchestra was founded by future Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in 1920, and Elgar conducted its inaugural concert. But it was when it discovered the young British conductor Simon Rattle in 1980 that the CBSO became internationally famous, and showed how the arts can help give a new sense of direction to a whole city. Rattle’s successors Sakari Oramo and Andris Nelsons cemented that global reputation, and continued to build on the CBSO’s distinguished tradition as one of the UK’s leading musical ambassadors.

Under the artistic leadership of Osborn Music Director* Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla the CBSO will continue to do what it does best – playing great music for people in Birmingham and beyond. As it approaches its centenary in 2020, the CBSO remains one of the most vibrant cultural organisations in the UK.

*The position of Music Director is generously supported by John Osborn.

www.cbso.co.uk