200 RESIDENTS at Bristol Care Homes care facilities enjoyed a concert from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on Friday, June 7.

The organisation, which runs homes in Thornbury, Almondsbury, Horfield and Fishponds, held the Care Concert event at Bristol Cathedral in collaboration with Bristol Beacon.

The intimate performance, tailored specifically for the care home community and supported by Triodos Bank, is part of a broader initiative by Bristol Care Homes and Bristol Beacon to make live music accessible to care home residents across the UK.

Johnathan James, associate musician with the BSO, provided residents with an introduction to the orchestra and each piece.

After the final piece - Dvořák’s New World Symphony - some of the audience stood to express their appreciation.

Commenting on the Care Concert event, Geoff Crocker, chairman of Bristol Care Homes, said: “We know that listening to music and taking part in experiences outside of our care homes is vitally important to our residents.

“Music is proven to evoke memories and improve wellbeing, and we saw firsthand the positive impact that last year’s concert in collaboration with Bristol Beacon had on our residents.”

“We want everyone to be able to take part in the best live music experiences,” added Todd Wills, Bristol Beacon’s artistic director.

Bristol Care Homes and Bristol Beacon plan to continue the tradition next year for the fourth time, with hopes of expanding the programme to reach more care homes and residents in the future.