A MUSIC charity has been spreading hope through the joy of song to people isolating at home.
Warwick-based Armonico Consort has been holding free daily singing sessions for those in care homes, sheltered housing and retirement villages in the area, including Austin Heath in Warwick.
Choir leader Simon Lole has been leading the sessions, while a programme for those with dementia is also being developed after it was discovered music can benefit patients.
And after 2,500 children from across the UK, including Coventry and Warwickshire, missed out on the chance to perform at the Royal Albert Hall when the concert was cancelled due to the outbreak, the choir held a ‘virtual’ event so they could sing along at home.
The Consort has also been holding free singing sessions online for those aged eight and over for children to take part in on Facebook every Wednesday at 2pm.
Artistic director Christopher Monks said: “Coronavirus stopped us and everyone in their tracks but we’ve worked intensively and swiftly to re-invent ourselves in order to deliver virtual sessions for those we already work with, create and deliver new and exciting online projects to support those in society most affected by isolation, and give vital work to our professional musicians who have seen their livelihoods collapse as a result of the crisis.
“Our musicians have been performing and recording and, thanks to sponsors, the next chapter will shortly begin with socially-distant, live recorded concerts in outdoor settings.”
Search Armonico Consort on Facebook or visit www.armonico.org.uk for more information.
