Days before they “Deck the Halls” of Mary Winspear Centre for their Christmas concert, The Peninsula Singers stopped by the extended care unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
The unit provides residential care for adults with complex medical needs who can no longer live safely or independently at home.
On Wednesday (Nov. 27) residents gathered in the dining room, where members of the fabulous choir treated them to a preview of their upcoming holiday shows on Dec 6, 7 and 8.
“Our theme this year, is just fun,” says the group’s artistic director, Lena Palermo. “We’ll be singing variations of Deck the Halls and the ‘falalas ‘in different styles.”
The show choir is also donating some of the proceeds from their ticket sales to the hospital’s Music Therapy Program.
There was a record turnout at the mini concert with more than half of the 140 residents attending.
“Music can connect to residents,” said Rebecca Sum, the unit's recreation therapist. “Even those who might not seem to respond to other things, the songs they are singing are so familiar they might be mouthing along those Christmas carols.”
Residents were bobbing their heads, snapping their fingers and singing along “Silent Night” to the delight of the choir and some visitors like Suelaine Gin who came to see her aunt.
“We didn’t know they had a show here today, but my aunt, who’s sitting in the front row, seems to be enjoying it and swaying to the music.”
“It’s very important to keep music coming to people who can’t go out to see it,” said choir member, Lisa Grewar. “I know they’d come to see us if they could.”
Tickets to "Deck the Halls" are available at marywinsper.ca.
