Pulling Some Strings For A Special Show
Residents of Uniting AgeWell’s Strathdon Community in Forest Hill enjoyed a recent 'pop-up' concert by the Flinders Quartet, thanks to the aged care organisation’s special partnership with Melbourne Recital Centre.
The intimate concert for 90 guests was held in a room jauntily decorated with a jungle theme for the residential care community’s October “Celebration of Ageing Well”. This is an annual event held during national seniors’ month.
Flinders Quartet, who are performing a concert series at Melbourne Recital Centre, played Claude Debussy’s String Quartet in G minor Op.10, along with the first Australian outing of String Quartet No.1 Totem by Chinese composer, Zhao Zheng.
It was a pleasure to play for residents, said Flinders Quartet cellist Zoe Knighton. “It was such a lovely setting for our music.”
The performance was made possible through Uniting AgeWell’s sponsorship of the Centre's International Chamber Ensemble series. Uniting AgeWell CEO Andrew Kinnersly said they were proud to be Melbourne Recital Centre's Aged Care Partner, especially when it meant being able to take such wonderful music to clients.
“Music can bring such joy to people and is an important part of our clients’ lives, as well as being a valuable tool used in our programs and care delivery,” Mr Kinnersly said.
“It can foster happiness and encourages social interaction and memories, which improves the quality of life of anyone, including older people.
“This partnership helps ensure beautiful music continues to be part of their lives, while also informing Centre audiences about how Uniting AgeWell can support seniors to remain vibrant members of the community as they age,” he said.
The intimate concert was very well received by residents, said Uniting AgeWell Lifestyle Coordinator Matt Daley. “We got excellent feedback from everyone.”
Uniting AgeWell, a not-for-profit organisation, is sponsoring the Centre's International Chamber Ensemble series for two years and the concert was held at their largest residential community in Melbourne.
Uniting AgeWell is an organisation of the Uniting Church in Australia with a long tradition of providing quality aged care services for older Australians. With services available throughout metropolitan and regional Victoria and Tasmania, Uniting AgeWell offers a range of specialised options to support health and wellbeing including independent and assisted living, home care, social support and therapy programs, respite and residential care communities.