It’s known that music can have a powerful positive impact on everyone, but especially for older people. Music for Dementia says: “It’s almost like it ‘gets in through the back door’ to memories, feelings and even abilities you thought you’d lost.”

Our upcoming series of monthly musical performances are inspired by residents’ musical tastes and interests and are designed to spark joy, stimulate memories and enhance social connection for both the residents and their families. It will include a selection of duets and classical pieces across the year at Marjorie House, an Art Deco-style home offering beautiful views over Poole Harbour, which is owned and operated by not-for-profit charity, Care South. The partnership strengthens the care home’s already varied activities programme.

Our CEO Dougie Scarfe, said: “The BSO exists to bring music into people’s lives, including those beyond the concert hall, and this partnership with Marjorie House is a perfect example of how our musicians work in the community. We have a hard-earned and longstanding reputation for our creative health work, of which dementia-friendly music-making is a big part, and it give us the opportunity to take exceptional music into new settings to enrich the cultural lives of people of all ages.”

Marjorie House was named as one of the Top 20 Care Homes in the South West at the Care Home Awards 2026 run by carehome.co.uk. Each floor has a dedicated dining area, activity spaces and lounges, with a wide choice of communal facilities including the Captain’s Club bar, hair salon and nail bar, terraced gardens and a putting green.

Care South is a not-for-profit charity and a leading provider of residential, dementia and nursing care and care at home services across the south of England. As well as Marjorie House’s individual award, Care South was named as one of the UK’s Top 20 Care Home Groups in the Mid-Size Large Group category at the Care Home Awards 2026.

Georgie Powell, Home Manager at Marjorie House, said: “We are thrilled to welcome these extremely talented musicians from Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra into the home to play for our residents on a regular basis.

 “Many of our residents have enjoyed BSO’s recitals at the Lighthouse over the years, which is located close to the home, and they all have a real passion for music, so this is a very exciting opportunity for us.

“They have already spoken to the musicians about the music that reminds them of their childhood, their families and friends or invokes a special memory, so they are looking forward to hearing some of those pieces live, up-close and in-person.

 “We are certain that these sessions will further enhance resident wellbeing as music has proven benefits for older adults including lifting mood, supporting memory, and fostering connection.”

To read the full press release click here: https://bsolive.com/press-releases/bournemouth-symphony-orchestra-partners-with-marjorie-house-for-monthly-music-boost-at-care-home/

For more information about our work in the community click here