Joy and genius describes the concert in Freshwater Memorial Hall on Sunday, October 20.

Joy because the packed hall was one giant singalong. Genius because of extraordinary piano performances.

The Dementia Friendly Choir, based in Freshwater, hosted a café-style evening in which the public were invited to share in the songs and activities that choir members sing when they meet every Wednesday in the Methodist Church Hall.

Favourites such as Doris Day’s Que Sera Sera, O Soldier Soldier Won’t You Marry Me and I Closed My Eyes were led by musical director Pam Wedgwood.

“Music is good for the brain,” she said, as she encouraged everyone, choir and audience alike, to do a sit-down hand and arm warm-up while singing along to the first song.

Percussion instruments were sometimes brought out, and coloured ribbons waved.

One special moment came when Pam introduced Derek, who had responded to Pam’s invitation to the choir to write poems about the effect of dementia on their lives.

Pam had set the poem, When I Remember You, to music and, with backing from the volunteers, Derek sang his very moving song about the loss of his wife to the disease.

The songs were interleaved by guest pianists, first the remarkable duo, Berendina Cook and Matthew Stanley, who performed Mozart’s Piano Duet in D Major, KV 381, Debussy’s Petite Suite and two Spanish dances by Moscowski.

Then followed Max Pemberton, who was taught piano by Pam from age eight, before he studied at the Guildhall School of Music. Now 23, Max is an extraordinary pianist who, because of a recently-diagnosed problem with his right hand, played three pieces written for left hand only.

He played two pieces by Scriabin, and then a Bach Chaconne, which was transcribed for left hand by Brahms. 

The concert was put on to raise awareness of the value of music in the lives of those living with dementia, and to raise money to spread the ‘formula’ of the choir to other parts of the Island.

The choir was started in 2019 by Pam and Marion Bretell, who has since died. “I promised her we would carry on with the choir,” said Pam.

The choir relies on volunteers to help and lend their musical talents. Richard Britton is their pianist and Cathy Hepburn is principal organiser. 

The choir offers singing and music on Wednesday mornings from 10.30am. For more information call Pam Wedgwood on 07729 938893.