They played Danny Boy for a resident who was end of life in her room… this was truly above and beyond and made the family very happy.
Family Member
Seven Oaks LTC, Scarborough
I wanted to share with you the excitement that Duo 46 provided to our residents yesterday. The residents were thrilled with the performance and were so excited that they had the opportunity to have such quality musicians perform.
We have a number of residents who were patrons of the symphony, and it was such a joy to see the smiles on their faces as they listened to this duo.
Thank you so much for providing this opportunity to our residents and making us feel part of our community. I hope that the Duo also enjoyed their time at Pioneer Manor.
Lydia Shea-Allard
Pioneer Manor
The performances provided by Concerts In Care Ontario are consistently outstanding. The residents are enthusiastic about the concerts and the staff are happy to be freed from managing the details of this turnkey activity.
Mark Wells
Owner, Briton House
Last week at Bruyère Continuing Care we had the pleasure of meeting a quartet of musicians from the National Arts Centre who came to play for us. I wanted to let these four string musicians know how much it was appreciated.
I was entranced by their musicality, their obvious love of music, and their joy in sharing ensemble playing.
Hearing these talented musicians play such beautiful instruments was unforgettable. They began with a movement from Handel’s Water Music, later played J.S. Bach, whom I adore, followed by Edward Elgar’s Salut d’amour and an arrangement of a Gershwin song.
I have spent many hours reliving this experience and will never forget it.
Joyce Bolduc
Resident, Bruyère Continuing Care (ATCM)
It’s as if I’d been drinking Kool-Aid my whole life and someone just gave me a nice glass of wine.
Residence Staff
The music was perfectly suited for our seniors and had people out of their seats and dancing at the front of the room. Some of the performers even put down their instruments and joined in the dancing.
I hope they can come visit again for one or more of the five performances we have left this year. Thank you so much for the perfect match. Kudos to you.
Just wanted to let you know that today’s concert was absolutely amazing. The performers were excellent and had many of us on the edge of our seats. It was a wonderful experience.
Nancy Lemire
Client Programs Supervisor, Miramichi Lodge (Pembroke)
Over the last two years, our care community has experienced the wonderful dynamics of Concerts in Care. The variety and powerful performances continue to wow residents, families, staff, and volunteers.
We could not imagine our entertainment lineup without Concerts in Care and would recommend these talented musicians to anyone organizing entertainment for all ages.
Kayla Sparling
Director of Resident Programs
The residents had an absolutely wonderful time with Duo 46. Many thanks to you for organizing this. The staff were also very impressed with the performance.
Thank you so much for entertaining our residents. Definitely interested in another show.
Trina Lavoie
Extendicare
Our care community loves the wonderful dynamics of Concerts in Care. Residents, families, staff, and volunteers look forward to each professional performance.
Each one is different, but all are high quality and engaging. Concerts in Care is an essential part of our programming. I highly recommend the musicians and the organizers who make it so easy for me.
Lindsay Young
Madonna Care, Orleans
My residents enjoyed the performance and talked about it for days. They are so accustomed to country music that this was a delightful change.
Several residents who do not normally attend stayed for the entire performance. That says everything. I hope we can do this again.
Zona Sauve
LaSalle Residence
We are so grateful to have hosted so many wonderful musicians this year. Our residents have enjoyed the talented performers and diverse classical programs.
As you know, most of our residents are no longer able to get out into the community. This program has truly warmed their hearts and souls.
Stephanie Lidstone
Recreation Coordinator, Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Centre (Ottawa)
Caitlin and Dobrochna were masterful. They played classical pieces (Beethoven) and a several obscure selections. The residents were very engaged – hooting and applause after each piece. And yes, there was dancing!
Rygiel Supports
Hamilton
Almost forty residents and five staff and a few guests were treated to a Christmas -themed concert by the talented Canadian harpist and composer Sharlene Wallace. With a blend of styles on her Celtic lever harp, Sharlene engaged people a number of well-known and lesser well-known carols. Included were a Scottish carol (Christ Chid Lullaby), the Sussex carol and a Venezuelan carol (Pretty Boy) in addition to Duck the Halls, Jingle Bells and Silent Night. Sharlene’s engaging personality resulted in humming and singing from the audience with some shout-outs for “more.”
Meighen Long-Term Care
Toronto
I would like to thank you very much for facilitating the Limestone Trio’s performance at Rideaucrest Home. The afternoon was absolutely magical, and our residents were transfixed with the performance. We would be happy to have another such event in the future!
Rideaucrest Home
Kingston
Richard Underhill and Nathan Hiltz entertained an audience of residents (26 at peak) and staff (12) with a highly professional jazz set including many instantly-recognisable tunes including Moon River, Mack the Knife, and – most highly applauded – When You’re Smiling. Impromptu dancing broke out at the rear of the performance space, and it was clear that the performance was as highly valued by the staff as it was by the residents.
Wellesley Rekai
Toronto
You have opened a door I thought had closed forever. I love concerts, especially musicals, but I just cannot get out to them anymore. And here they are – in my living room! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Dorothy
Sprint Senior Care on Zoom after a program of Broadway medleys
It was great having you, Thea and Sudbury string quartet perform for us all. We are all appreciative of your efforts to bring a different genre of music to our Nursing Home. I can say this has not been done before. I closed my eyes listening to the performances and they took me on quite a journey. I really enjoyed the experience.
We had our drum group yesterday [first time since you visited and they played for you]. I had 14 residents show up and we ALL were using our instruments to sing our Anishinaabe songs using drums and shakers. [Normal turnout is 5.]It was a beautiful moment.
Matthew Assinewe
Wikwemikong Nursing Home, Manitoulin
The energetic trio of Robert, Brigham and Steve was a real crowd pleaser. They gave an Octoberfest themed concert, playing recognizable favourites that included the Happy Wanderer and Edelweiss. They had the audience tapping, or clapping, or even singing along as best they could We even got a care worker up to join us! It was a very accessible concert for this care home, with residents that are mostly physically or cognitively highly challenged.
Chester Village LTC
Scarborough
The concert was absolutely wonderful! This seniors’ residence is home to people from a variety of cultures, and it was amazing to see everyone come together to sing and even dance. What a fantastic afternoon. The musicians inspired clients to reminisce, laugh, and create memorable moments with one another. Thank you again for organizing this event.
Caledon Meals on Wheels
Caledon
Di Zhang, Chinese dulcimer
is incredible. My residents are in awe! OMG! We had a big crowd stay afterwards and talk to her. They want her to come back. She was great: not only played music but also talked about the music she played. The residents felt they had an amazing music lesson. They want her back.
Teresa
Sorrento Retirement, Bolton
The residents thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Teiya and Christopher are fabulous musicians, and Teiya’s interaction with the residents was especially positive.
Residents moved their arms, tapped their toes, and swayed to the music. One audience member began singing along, and soon many others joined in. It was heartwarming.
Thank you to everyone involved for bringing this performance to our residents.
Joanne Meade
Manager, Programs and Services, Cummer Lodge (Toronto)
I heard your interview on CBC’s Metro Morning. My late mother lived in a City of Toronto long-term care residence and had no access to cultural events, despite being a devoted ballet and opera attendee.
I was so pleased to hear about your program and only wish my mother could have been in the audience. Many programs serve schools. Yours serves people for whom concert halls are no longer accessible. Good for you.
Heather de Veber
Community Member