We have a proven track record for curating high quality public events showcasing the creativity of people living with dementia. All our events feature new music that has been co-created with people living with dementia.
So Many Beauties Festival hosted by The Bridgewater Hall was the first event of its kind in the UK and brought together amateur, student and professional musicians, researchers, dementia related organisations and people living with dementia and their carers and families. It was delivered in collaboration with Music in Hospitals and Care, Manchester Camerata. RNCM and Bridgewater Hall.
We commissioned a film, sound collage and photos of the festival which we are pleased to share with you. We hope they provide an insight into the different types of music making available to people living with dementia and give you a flavour of this “thoroughly enjoyable fantastic” (audience member).
Watch a film of festival highlights and short interviews with different people who came long. We commissioned film artist Geoff Brokate to come and capture moments from the festival.
Listen to sound artist Caro Churchill’s sound collage of music and feedback from the festival. Real voices say real things.
Whilst you listen to Caro’s Collage, feel free to browse this wonderful gallery of photos taken by Geraldine McCauley across the festival. Geri will be selecting a variety of these for close editing and publication. Let us know if you have particular favourites!
Composer Kate Pearson wrote a special song during the festival. As she whizzed round the different musical activities on offer, she listened to people’s ideas and responses and quickly assimilated them into a song that reflects on the day. We’ll be using this with our participants and will record a good version for your perusal!
Here is a PDF overview of some of the creative approaches taken in the So Many Beauties project –
You can also listen to the live recording of the So Many Beauties world premiere at Manchester Cathedral in April 2017
You can view the programme for this exciting event, listing all the project partners, performers and associate partner organisations by clicking on the link here;
The full vocal score of the work is available to buy (£16.99) or to hire out for choirs (price on request). This piece has parts for community choirs, children’s choirs, choral societies, professional choirs and soloists to enjoy. Ensemble parts are also available to hire.
The piece will be developed next year into an accessible, fun to use toolkit for anyone wanting to use creativity and music with people living with dementia. Follow this blog to stay in tune with the latest developments.
Salford University student Fanni Kaszas made a lovely radio piece about the project which you can listen to here;
creative music making with diverse communities 