DownsideUp, string duo Cello Corinne Frost Double Bass Stephen Warner ESO’s dementia friendly concerts are integral to our ethos as musicians and performers. Our musicians have many years of experience in this field and are committed to bringing their talents to members of society who are living with dementia and other life debilitating conditions. Research supports our experience that live music benefits people living with dementia by stimulating memories, reducing agitation and stress and improving communication between residents and staff. Whilst delivering high quality music into care homes, day care centres and other venues, our musicians also bring a tremendous sense of warmth, humour and sensitivity to their concerts, raising the spirits, alertness and responsiveness of all their audiences. One musician once remarked “ We give lots of concerts of all types, yet I think our performances in dementia care homes are one of the situations where we genuinely make a difference to somebody’s life.” On arrival, ESO musicians are able to assess the mood and level of engagement of their audience and adapt their choice of music accordingly. Lasting around an hour, all the concerts are very interactive events with informal chatter, and audiences are encouraged to join in if they wish – this frequently leads to foot tapping, clapping, singing and dancing! Image: Michael Whitefoot ©

Description supplied by the event organiser.