Westminster Council teams up with English National Opera to bring joy to care home residents

Westminster City Council is ensuring everyone has access to the city’s remarkable culture on offer by teaming up with English National Opera (ENO) who have been performing in care homes across the city. 

The project, funded by the council, was aimed at bringing high-quality music and art to residents who encounter physical, social and economic barriers to participation or access to culture.

Across the month of March, ENO’s musicians and singers have entertained residents in eight care settings in Westminster. They put on activities including singalong workshops using familiar and beloved opera repertoire, a craft activity for people to make their own flower brooch, as well as the opportunity to try on costumes and hats from recent ENO productions.

Classical music is known to improve people’s mental health, their breathing and boosts their mood.

One resident, Deborah, from Beachcroft Care Home said:

“It was so nice to hear such beautiful voices, the singing was superb.

“It was really nice for some of the elderly people here that have got Alzheimer's and that sort of thing, it was nice to see them actively being involved and to have a chilled afternoon where we were entertained was absolutely lovely.”

Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Ecology and Culture, Cllr Ryan Jude, said: 

“It’s so touching to see English National Opera bring such light and joy to the residents of our care settings in Westminster.

“Our city is brimming with culture, and it’s important there are no barriers to people enjoying what’s on offer on their doorstep. Through our culture fund, we’re ensuring that every person in Westminster, irrespective of age and ability, has the chance to explore the rich culture all around us.”

Annilese Miskimmon, ENO’s Artistic Director, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Westminster City Council to deliver our new ENO in the Community programme.

“Key funding from the council has allowed ENO to bring live music into the community and to people who otherwise may be unable to access it through ENO Engage – our learning and participation department, opera singers and the Chorus and Orchestra of ENO.

“Classical music brings human connection, mental health and wellbeing benefits and we are excited to see the impact the programme has across the borough.”