A trio of long-standing music lovers from a Dorset care home, including a 99-year-old former chamber musician, met some of today’s top performers at a ‘wonderful’ orchestral concert.
The trip to Poole Lighthouse to watch the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) was a delight for Myrtle Smith, Muriel Brown and Tessa Cooper who live at Colten Care’s Bourne View home in the town.
The evening, which featured music by Beethoven, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Sir Arnold Bax, began with a private audience for the Colten party.
French Horn player Kevin Pritchard, trombonist Robb Tooley, violinist Jenni Curiel and viola player Judith Preston all spoke with the visitors just ahead of the performance.
The conversations naturally centred on music, with discussions about performing today compared to years gone by.
Myrtle, 99, was recognised for her musical skills as she grew up in 1930s London. At just 11 years old, she achieved the top Grade 8 on the piano.
After winning a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music on her 18th birthday, she went on to establish a successful career as a chamber musician.
She played hundreds of concerts accompanying fellow musicians and singers and in later life became a piano teacher.
A skilled harpsichord player, Muriel studied music at university and worked as a music teacher and lecturer at Aberdeen University. Several members of her family are classically trained musicians.
In her younger days, Tessa used to enjoy BSO performances at Poole Lighthouse and had long wished to return after not attending a concert for several years.
After the performance, all three ladies expressed their delight and thanks.
Muriel said: “It was so nice to meet the musicians, and my daughter, who used to be a member of the BSO, also joined, and she knew many of the musicians we met.”
Tessa said: “I was amazed we got to meet the musicians as well as see such a wonderful concert. We felt like royalty for the evening!”
Myrtle described the concert as ‘a very exciting evening’, adding: “I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful music and wonderful atmosphere inside the auditorium.”
Muriel, Tessa and Myrtle were accompanied by Bourne View staff including Richard Croft, a Companionship Team member.
Richard said: “The BSO musicians took the time to make the group feel welcome and included in the evening. Being back in a concert hall and immersed in music brought back many fond memories for our residents. It all went very smoothly, a truly special outing, and we sincerely thank the BSO members for their kindness in accommodating us.”
