The two-hour event included a concert given by an 18-piece ensemble from the BSO.

Three local organisations partnered for the celebration of connection and community.

 

Dorset care home residents delighted in a memorable musical afternoon created especially for them by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO), Care South and JPMorganChase.

Hosted at JPMorganChase’s Bournemouth campus, the midweek event included an afternoon tea served by catering staff and volunteers as guests enjoyed a performance given by an ensemble from the BSO.

The concert was designed to spark memories and conversation and encourage participation, with residents encouraged to sing and dance along to their favourite tunes. Musical numbers included hits from My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins and South Pacific alongside popular songs, including A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and Moon River. During the interval, guests were also treated to a performance from JPMorganChase’s Bournemouth staff choir.

The special afternoon saw three of Dorset’s leading organisations unite to create a unique event that would enable guests to make new memories together through connection, joy and participation. It builds on the BSO’s existing partnerships with both Care South and JPMorganChase – and saw residents travel from Care South’s homes in Bournemouth, Poole, Ferndown, Ringwood and Weymouth to attend.

Ron, who lives in Wickmeads care home in Tuckton, said: “It brought back so many happy memories of playing in bands and orchestras over the years. My brother was part of the BSO, so at the event I could almost imagine he was still playing with them.”

Dee, whose husband Philip lives in Fairlawn care home in Ferndown, said: “I never thought I would have the opportunity to make new memories with my husband. It was a fabulous event which we both thoroughly enjoyed as we love classical music.”

 

Simon Gibbons from JPMorganChase, said:
“This was not only one of the best events we’ve done with the BSO, but one of the best afternoons I’ve had here at JPMorganChase. Great music, lovely food and a joyous atmosphere, with heartfelt participation from our guests, their helpers, staff and volunteers made the whole afternoon a celebration of how music can bring us all together. Thank you so much to the BSO and Care South for being such good partners. It was truly magical.”   

Dougie Scarfe OBE, CEO of Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, said:
“There’s nothing like music: it unlocks memories and propels us to dance, to sing and share in stories with those around us. Watching our special guests as they enjoyed the afternoon was a fantastic experience and a wonderful example of not only the power of live music – but in what communities can do when they come together. We’re deeply grateful to our partners at JPMorganChase and Care South for working hard to turn it into a reality.”

 

The BSO recently partnered with Care South’s newest home, Marjorie House, based in Lilliput, to bring monthly live music recitals from professional musicians to the residents to enjoy in the comfort of their own home. Performances include duets, classical pieces, and music inspired by the residents’ musical tastes and interests.

Simon Bird, Care South’s Chief Executive, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome so many of our residents from across many of our homes in Dorset to enjoy a very special afternoon. Music has a wonderful way of bringing people together, so it was fantastic to see our residents singing and dancing along and sharing memories sparked by the pieces they were listening to. We are so grateful to the BSO and JPMorganChase for hosting such an incredibly uplifting event, which perfectly exemplified our ethos of Food, Fun and Friendship.”

 

One of the UK’s best-loved orchestras, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is known for championing the role of culture in people’s lives. Based at Lighthouse, Poole, the Orchestra is a registered charity and the largest performing organisation in the South West of England, serving one of the biggest and most diverse regions in the UK.

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. Based in Poole, it has care homes in Dorset, Devon and Somerset, as well as care at home services based in Dorset and Somerset.  Earlier this year, 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.

To learn more about the BSO’s creative health work in communities across the South West visit: bsolive.com/participate

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