Orchestra seeks support for dementia-friendly performances

Sinfonia Viva is planning to launch a programme of dementia-friendly classical music performances in Derby.

The orchestra has been selected to be a beneficiary as part of the Big Give’s Arts for Impact campaign, which is running online between now and 26 March.

Sinfonia Viva has set itself a £5,000 target for individual donations, with the Big Give match funding every donation made up to this target.

If the funding is achieved, a series of relaxed performances for people living with dementia and their carers and families will be given in accessible buildings by a small group of Sinfonia Viva musicians.

Lucy Galliard, chief executive at Sinfonia Viva, said: “People living with dementia and their carers can face challenges in social interaction, which can result in loneliness, isolation, and reduced wellbeing.

“There are numerous barriers to participation in group activities such as concerts, with a lack of bespoke opportunities, which meet their specific needs and place them, and those who care for them, at the heart of the activity.

“We have a wealth of experience in delivering high quality inclusive concerts, and engaging people living with dementia.

“This learning will enable us to create relaxed one-hour performances, which will provide new opportunities for individuals living with dementia in our region.

“We will create short programmes of familiar music, which are introduced in a friendly and accessible way.

“Concerts will take place in an informal space where the audience can move about freely, respond to the music in their own way, or just sit back and enjoy the experience.

“Our ambition is to establish a regular series of performances that can be enjoyed by people living with dementia and their family members, carers, and friends in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space.”

To donate to the Big Give between now and 26 March visit https://bit.ly/SinVivaBigGive .