Uniting AgeWell residents were treated to a stirringly-beautiful pop-up carol performance by the acclaimed (TSO) Chorus at Newnham Community, Aldersgate Village in the lead-up to Christmas.

Residential Services Manager Audette Groenewold says the 40-minute acapella performance on Friday 19 December was “so beautiful it sent shivers down my spine.”

“The residents were absolutely swept up in the performance with many singing along to much-loved carols.  The applause they gave the chorus members afterwards was absolutely thunderous!” says Audette.

Afterwards singers mingled and chatted to the residents over a morning tea of scones, jam and cream which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

One resident, Sue Amos (pictured), says “I was in heaven!  The singers were adorable.  You can see my emotions written all over my face, but that’s what you get when you’re a Capricorn!”

Uniting AgeWell General Manager Tasmania, Jane Johnston, says the pop-up performance is part of the organisation’s long-standing partnership between the TSO and Uniting AgeWell, ensuring music continues to be a part of residents’ lives.

A valued corporate partner of the orchestra since 2018, Uniting AgeWell supports thousands of older people across Victoria and Tasmania in their own homes, in residential care and in retirement living communities.

Jane says, “Music plays a very important role in people’s lives, harnessing joy and evoking powerful emotions in listeners and this is especially so at Christmas-time in aged care.

“The therapeutic benefits of music are well known, especially for people with dementia, helping them to relax and reduce anxiety.  This unique experience enables residents to feel connected to community in a very special way.”

TSO Chorusmaster Warren Trevelyan-Jones said it was the perfect way to end what has been a busy year for the Chorus, which has toured the UK and performed across Tasmania.

‘It is wonderful to once again be heading to Launceston, especially during this festive time.  We hope our audience members enjoy these pop-up performances as much as we enjoy singing in the community,’ he said.