Live music to care

In an imaginative initiative, patients and residents at six different Argyll care units in Lochgilphead, Ardrishaig and Campbeltown are to enjoy a live concert with a programme designed to remind them of the delight of live music.

Music in Hospitals’ musicians, singer David Solley and accordionist Lex Keith, perform regular concerts for the charity at care units across the whole of Scotland. They have an extensive repertoire of well-known songs, traditional music and old favourites which never fails to get feet tapping.

Music in Hospitals draws upon the talents of some of Scotland’s leading musicians to perform for people in over 500 hospitals, hospices, homes and day care centres across the country. Experienced professional musicians are selected not only for their musical expertise but also for their ability to communicate with sensitivity and understanding while encouraging participation.

The charity provided 1,697 concerts in Scotland last year. The aim is to make a wide range of high quality live music more widely available to people whose access to live music is curtailed by illness, age or disability. Therapists, medical and nursing staff constantly acknowledge the valuable part music can play in the treatment and care of patients.

Music transports.

The six concerts will take place between 16th –18th August  – schedule below – by courtesy of the generosity of sponsor, Crerar Hotels.

Marc Gardner, General Manager at the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa in Inveraray says: ‘Crerar Hotels is part owned by a charitable trust whose objective is to give to worthy causes every year and the trust is delighted to be able to assist Music in Hospitals by providing funding to help their ongoing activities. The charity carries out fantastic work and support for hospitals and care homes all over the UK and we are glad that our support over the years has allowed them to continue their great efforts’.

Alison Frazer, Chief Executive of Music in Hospitals in Scotland, says: ‘We are most grateful to Crerar Hotels for generously supporting these concerts over many years.  Thanks to their support, we have visited quite a few of the care units before and it is always a pleasure to be able to call and let them know our musicians will be visiting again.  We hope that residents, their families, friends and care staff will have a lovely time’.

The 2010 Music in Hospitals tour schedule

• Monday 16th August: Mid Argyll Hospital, Lochgilphead – at 2.30pm
• Monday 16th August: Ardfenaig Home, Ardrishaig – at 6.00pm
• Tuesday 17th August: Kintyre Care Centre, Campbeltown – at 2.30 pm
• Tuesday 17th August: Auchinlee Home, Campbeltown – at 6.30pm
• Wednesday 18th August: Woodlands Centre, Campbeltown – at 10.30am
• Wednesday 18th August: Campbeltown Hospital – at 1.30pm