The Aldbury dedicated dementia residential care home in Poole enjoyed an afternoon of glamour and glitz with its very own opera performance.
Residents, relatives and staff dressed up in their best attire, with ladies wearing pearls and feather scarves and gentlemen in suits and bow ties for Opera at the Aldbury at the Colten Care home in Ringwood Road.
Acclaimed top opera and classical musical performers taking part were singer Cem Yagibasan, his son and singer Yusuf Yagibasan and pianist Patricia Taylor.
A great international repertoire was performed, including Torna A Sorriento, Nemico Della Patria, Besame Mucho, Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ and the popular Turkish classical song Yalgizam.
The event came about because resident Diane Milman wished to have an operatic concert on her 89th birthday – and other residents Elsie Murray, Pat Purser and Marianne Timberlake had also been requesting an operatic afternoon at the home.
The event also raised cash a fundraising cake sale in aid of the home’s chosen charity, Friends of the Dolphin, which provides free, fully accessible boat trips for disabled people of all ages around Poole Harbour.
Health Care Assistant Rumbie Makuvaza won a trophy and a box of chocolates for being the best dressed person.
Resident Diane Milman said: “It was lovely performance on my birthday. I couldn’t stop singing and smiling on such a perfect day overall.”
Resident Terry Pattison added: “Cem had a splendidly powerful voice, he didn’t need a microphone. Everyone joined and thought it was an extraordinary performance.”
Andrea Hatcher, resident Malcolm Hatcher’s daughter, said: “It was a special day where me and my dad had the chance to spend a lovely afternoon at The Opera. The performers were amazing, I had goosebumps!”
Home Manager Liliana Lazaroui said: “It was a truly special and memorable experience for our residents and staff, who thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the beautiful singing and atmosphere created during the performance.
“Moments like this bring joy , create meaningful memories and make a positive difference to the wellbeing of our residents.
“We are very grateful for the time, talent and warmth shared with everyone. It was a beautiful afternoon that our residents and our team will remember fondly “
Companion Melissa Siat added: “it was such a joy to see our residents, relatives and staff enjoying our first Opera at the Aldbury.
“Residents’ wishes were granted and money was raised towards our home chosen charity. Thanks Cem, Patricia and Youssef for an unforgettable operatic experience enjoyed by all.
“Our birthday lady loved the performance and she couldn’t stop smiling and singing along, especially when Pavarotti’s iconic song Oh Sole Mio was sung beautifully by Cem.
“Diane said it was great performance on her special day, and her family was happy to see her enjoying her day and thanked everyone for organising such a successful event.”
Cem won first prize in this year’s Operatic Aria category at the Bournemouth Performing Arts Competition, and his vocal teacher Patricia Taylor has sung with The English National Opera at The London Coliseum as well as Scottish, Glyndebourne, Kent and Phoenix opera companies.
Founded more than 45 years ago, multi award-winning Colten Care owns and operates 21 care homes in Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and West Sussex.
