It’s been incredible to see how residents and patients have blossomed through involvement in music making, poetry writing and having creative conversations. I’ve gathered around 60 hours of session recordings over the course of the last few months and have been listening back to all of them, selecting creative materials to include in the final piece of music. On hearing the music next to her hospital bed, one lady exclaimed “so many beauties” and this has become the title for the piece which will be performed by a choir of around 70-100 people and ensemble at Manchester Cathedral on Thursday 6 April 2017. This piece celebrates the creativity of people with dementia and it has been an enormous privilege to work with Cooper House, Bradford, Cawood House, Brinnington, Stepping Hill Hospital, Lyme Green Hall, Macclesfield and Watford House, New Mills. Thanks to Arts Council England, Music in Hospitals, RNCM and Manchester Cathedral for their support.
“Something to look forward to” feedback from resident
“It makes me dance in my chair” resident
“She doesn’t think I’m silly” resident
“Happiness fills the room” feedback from family member
creative music making with diverse communities 