Frequently Asked Questions
Illustration by Merlin Porter.
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What is the music repertoire we could expect?
The concerts are led by classical and jazz singer Hannah Davey, who performs as a soloist with orchestras and chamber ensembles. The repertoire includes performances by Hannah and other professional instrumental and voice musicians, performing classical, jazz, show, folk and popular music. Once a year young musicians from local secondary schools perform. Concerts combine performances with sing-along songs led by Hannah for audience members to join in as they wish. The programme is tailored to the mood and energy of each audience, and we welcome audience suggestions for music and sing-along songs.
Is there disabled parking and good accessibility, with toilets?
Yes, we choose the Moving Music venues carefully with all those aspects in mind. Details relevant to the different venues are set out on the maps and details on the Events page of our website.
Concerts last one hour, with a mixture of musicians’ performances and sing-along songs (to join in or not, as you wish). There is no interval, but audience members are welcome to move around or in and out of the concert area as they wish, or to sit and listen at a distance if they prefer. Tea, coffee and biscuits are served from 30 minutes before the concert starts, at no extra charge.
How long does a concert last and is there an interval?
Photo by Emily Jarrett
Our staff and volunteers have lived experience of caring for and/or working with people with dementia and are sensitive to the challenges faced by those living with or caring for dementia. There is freedom for people to move about and/or respond to the music as they wish - humming, tapping, singing, dancing or sitting quietly. The seating is flexible, and the atmosphere is welcoming, tolerant and supportive. We offer familiarity, from parking and the venue, to the people welcoming and helping, the musicians, and the concert format. The music and sing-along songs are carefully selected to tap into the ‘reminiscence bulges’ of our audiences (we may ask for your ages from time to time to check that we’re getting this right) and we welcome music and song suggestions from the audience. The power of music, in particular for people living with dementia, is well recognised, and many carers in our audiences comment on the respite and enjoyment offered by the concert experience.
In what way is this a dementia-friendly event?
Can people come to Moving Music if they do not have dementia or other special needs, or are not a carer?
All are welcome! Whilst the concerts were designed with dementia and other special needs in mind, they offer an opportunity for anyone who would like to enjoy good live music in the company of other people, in beautiful settings, with a warm welcome, relaxed atmosphere, and a cup of tea as you settle in.
We ask audience members to pay what they can afford, with a guide price of £8 per person. This includes tea, coffee and biscuits before the concert. Professional carers do not usually pay. Donations are very welcome, and Gift Aid forms are available to enhance the value of donations made by UK tax payers to us as a registered charity. All payments contribute directly to the costs of the concerts. Payment can be made online when booking places through our website, or at the door of the concert, in cash or by card.
Is there a charge for entry to Moving Music?
There are no reserved seats - come early to secure your preferred place and to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. Seating at concerts is all flexible/moveable, on a flat floor, with space to allow for wheelchairs, walking frames, and movement. Seating is mostly close to the musicians, or further away if preferred, and there is space to move around or to dance, should the mood take you.
Can I reserve particular seats for concerts?
Please join our email list for more information and reminders about upcoming concerts. We may include brief information about other events that may be of interest to our audiences. Emails are usually sent once with full concert information and once more as a reminder or with particular updates.
How can I find out more about concerts and other related events?
Photo by Emily Jarrett