Musical Memories

Believed to be the first of its kind in the country, two new choirs for older people were set up in 2013 in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County that are specifically welcoming to people affected by dementia.

The choirs were set up as part of a unique project by dlr/HSE Arts and Health Partnership together with the Living Well with Dementia Stillorgan-Blackrock. The Arts and Health Partnership aims to make creativity intrinsic to life.

The purpose of the choirs was to give people an opportunity to come together in a relaxed environment and reconnect through music. Music and singing helps lift mood, provides cognitive stimulation and supports social interaction.

Those taking part did not have to be able to sing to have joined. There was no element of competition or performance.

There are now similar choirs all over the country. 

The choirs are still running today and for more information please contact:

 Newpark Music Centre: (01) 2883740 who manage the Deansgrange Musical Memories Choir since December 2017

Irish Times Article on Musical Memories

Musical Memories featured on RTE's Morning ireland and RTE Nationwide.