Inclusive Orchestral Concert Brings Joy to Bristol care homes Residents
An inclusive orchestral concert will bring together some 200 care home residents from across Bristol in a special event at Beacon Hall on Tuesday, 27 May 2025. Created in collaboration with the acclaimed Sinfonia Smith Square Orchestra and in partnership with Bristol Care Homes, the performance is part of Bristol Beacon’s ongoing work to improve access to live music and wellbeing experiences for older people in the city.
A Milestone for Accessibility and Community Inclusion
This is the third Care Home Concert hosted by Bristol Beacon and marks the first time the event will be held in its newly transformed and accessible Beacon Hall – a milestone that reflects the venue’s strong commitment to creative health and community inclusion. The concert is part of Bristol Beacon’s Creative Health & Wellbeing programme, which includes impactful projects such as Our Music Club, Pulse, and Mail a Musician, all designed to tackle loneliness and enhance quality of life through the arts.
Beacon Hall Sets New Standard for Accessibility
For the first time, the concert will accommodate 40 wheelchair users, significantly more than the usual 16 spaces in Beacon Hall. This sets a new benchmark for inclusive event access and highlights Bristol Beacon’s industry-leading approach to accessibility and cross-departmental collaboration.
The Power of Music to Heal and Connect
Julia Roderick, Head of Community at Bristol Beacon, said:
“We are immensely proud to be programming our third Care Home Concert, this time in our very own Beacon Hall. This wonderful space enables us to welcome around 200 care home residents for a concert of glorious orchestral music performed by the incredible Sinfonia Smith Square Orchestra. We truly believe in the power of music to improve health and wellbeing and unite communities.”
Geoff Crocker, Chairman of Bristol Care Homes, added:
“Engaging in music and activities beyond the walls of our care homes is vital for our residents’ wellbeing. Music has a unique power to stir cherished memories, lift spirits, and foster a deep sense of connection. Our previous concerts with Bristol Beacon clearly demonstrated these benefits, and we’re thrilled to be supporting this enriching experience once again – this time in the magnificent Beacon Hall.”
Interactive Performance by Sinfonia Smith Square Orchestra
The Sinfonia Smith Square Orchestra – a dynamic ensemble of early-career musicians trained to engage older audiences – will perform a blend of traditional repertoire and interactive musical experiences. Drawing on their collaboration with the City of London Sinfonia, their sessions will include personal interaction, audience-responsive improvisation, and informal post-concert conversations over coffee, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
A Tribute to Connection and Care
Supported by Bristol Care Homes, The Anchor Society, and Christie & Co, the concert is a celebration of care, companionship, and shared experience. Family members and carers are also warmly invited to attend and enjoy the performance alongside their loved ones.
Bristol Care Homes: Supporting Music, Wellbeing, and Community
This event highlights our ongoing commitment here at Bristol Care Homes to enhance the well-being of our residents through meaningful, enriching experiences. Our continued partnership with Bristol Beacon reflects our belief in the power of the arts to foster connection, joy, and improved quality of life in care settings.
For more information, navigate our website and follow Bristol Care Homes on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for updates.
