We are thrilled to once again team up with dementia charity Playlist for Life to host a very special evening of music and memories. The venue this summer will be the stunning Royal Conservatoire of Scotland with entertainment provided by Scottish literary star Alexander McCall Smith and his ‘Really Terrible Orchestra’ in conversation with the charity’s founder Sally Magnusson.
Following the success of last year’s Memory Sessions concert in Edinburgh’s St Cecilia’s Hall, we are excited to build on our ongoing collaboration with Playlist for Life and to deliver this unique concert of reminiscence, meaningful music and engaging discussions.
Playlist for Life aims to ensure that everyone living with dementia has access to a personal playlist of meaningful music. Sally Magnusson, who founded the charity following her own experience of her mother Mamie’s dementia, said “We are so grateful to Alexander McCall Smith and the Really Terrible Orchestra for helping to create what promises to be a fabulous and fun evening of music and memory. The concert will celebrate the immense power of music in enabling people with dementia to feel more themselves, and provide a fascinating insight into the meaningful music of one of Scotland’s most-loved literary stars.”
The Really Terrible Orchestra are a world-renowned group of amateur musicians. Formed by McCall Smith in Edinburgh over 20 years ago they have gone on to perform on major international stages including London’s Cardogan Hall and The Town Hall, New York City.
There is accumulating evidence that music can be a powerful tool to improve well-being, protect brain health and unlock memories. Professor Craig Ritchie, Chief Investigator of the PREVENT Dementia Programme, said: “We have been working closely with Playlist for Life to understand how music can help people living with dementia as well as even prevent its onset. We are so grateful to the Really Terrible Orchestra for giving us time, effort and enthusiasm to empower people to protect their brain health.”
The concert, Musical Memories, with Alexander McCall Smith and Sally Magnusson, featuring the Really Terrible Orchestra, will be held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on the evening of Saturday 1st June . Tickets cost £15 and can be purchased from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Box Office.
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Proceeds from the concert will be split between Playlist for Life and the Prevent Dementia Programme. The event is generously supported by Spiers Gumley.
