Music for the elderly

Music & culture

Feb 24

Who: Veslemøy’s Musique

What: Music and culture

Where: Bergen

Project period: 2021-2023

Our project is aimed at the elderly; both at home and in an institution. Our desire is to raise the quality of life by bringing them good cultural experiences.

Since 2018, we have run a project called "The melodic corner" - a concert series aimed specifically at pensioners (and other people who have free time during the day). The ensemble is an acoustically based quartet consisting of vocals, grand piano, bass and drums.

Over time, we have built up a solid audience - people who otherwise would not have had an offer, who now have the opportunity to come out, experience high quality culture and meet like-minded people.

At the same time, for a number of years we have had the opportunity to have concerts at nursing homes, institutions and day centers; for the elderly who are not mobile enough to go to external concerts.

During these years we have seen how important culture is for the elderly. Many people call the concerts "vitamin injections" and have expressed a desire to get them on a "prescription!" Much of the reason is probably the choice of repertoire; songs of a slightly older vintage that they recognize, reminisce about and can hum along to. At the same time, we are aware of a desire to create a good and warm atmosphere at our concerts. Much of the success lies in the fact that the four of us who are on stage know each other well, enjoy each other’s company and play well together. This makes for a good and warm chemistry. When we on top of that use humor eagerly, people are happy to be present!

These concerts give us great joy but do not make us rich. Thanks to Grieg we can continue in bringing music to the elderly - both in institutions and concerts during the day in cultural halls around Bergen.