A lifelong passion for piano took centre stage when a Dorset care home resident and former professional pianist played a duet with a top musician from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO).
Doreen Elderkin, 90, who lives at Colten Care’s Abbey View care home in Sherborne, was reunited with performing thanks to a specially arranged visit from the BSO’s Kevin Pritchard.
The pair are both former students of London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Music whose famous alumni include Sir Simon Rattle, Dame Evelyn Glennie and Sir Elton John.
Doreen spent four years studying piano at the Royal Academy in the 1950s under renowned pianist and teacher Max Pirani while Sir Reginald Thatcher was Principal.
She went on to perform with BBC Radio for two years before taking a break to raise her family and later shared her musical knowledge and skills with young musicians by giving lecture recitals in schools.
Although Doreen now lives with severe macular degeneration and can no longer read sheet music, her love for playing classical compositions remains as strong as ever.
Recently, her daughters arranged for her much-loved piano to be moved into her bedroom at Abbey View, allowing her to continue playing from memory.
Having welcomed Kevin to perform for residents in the past, the home’s Companionship team invited him to return and play a duet with Doreen on his electric piano.
Sitting in Doreen’s bedroom, the pair quickly bonded over their shared connection to the Royal Academy and their love of music before delighting those gathered with a performance of one of Edvard Grieg’s folk-inspired Norwegian Dance pieces.
The occasion was made even more special by the presence of Doreen’s daughter, Mary Chapman, who travelled from Cardiff to watch her mother perform.
Following the duet, Kevin was shown Doreen’s treasured piano in her room and played several of her favourite pieces, much to her delight.
Reflecting on the experience, Doreen said: “It was fantastic. I had my hair done, felt like a celebrity and played an electric piano for the first time. And I played with Kevin Pritchard from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra!”
Bev de Bruyn, Companionship Team Leader at Abbey View, said: “Creating meaningful experiences that reflect each resident’s interests and the things they love is at the heart of everything we do. We know how much music has meant to Doreen throughout her life, so arranging for her to play with Kevin was a wonderful way to celebrate her incredible talent and lifelong love of the piano.
“Seeing Doreen and Kevin sharing their memories, talking about music and then performing together was so special. It was a joy to help make such a memorable occasion possible.”
Abbey View is one of seven Colten Care homes rated Outstanding by care sector regulator the Care Quality Commission.
