Documentary shines spotlight on the power of music

Residents at Providence Manor have been enjoying performances from Canta Arya School for Strings students for over a decade. To highlight this partnership the two organizations have produced a documentary called Resonance: Music Across the Ages.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school would host as many as 20 concerts a year at the long-term care home, according to a release from Providence Care, dated Monday, Mar. 15, 2021. Canta Arya School for Strings is a registered charity, and provides Suzuki violin and viola training for youth. The organization is known for its local and global outreach.

“It all started 11 years ago. A student of ours had a loved one living at Providence Manor so we decided to host a concert there,” explained Karen-Michele Kimmett, Canta Arya School for Strings Director. “It was so well received and appreciated by residents, staff and our students, we decided to come back and play again. Over time, recognizing how special this was, we formed a partnership with Providence Manor.”

“It is all about building connections,” added Cathy Szabo, Providence Care President & CEO. “Residents not only get to experience live music from incredibly talented youth, but they have also built relationships and friendships with the students. This partnership helps lift spirits and aligns with our mission to enhance the quality of life for the people we serve.”

Providence Care says the documentary shines a spotlight on how the power of music brings these generations together to create special bonds. Originally, the documentary would have been filmed during a live indoor concert last year, but because of COVID-19 safety protocols the school was not allowed to perform inside the home.

Knowing how beneficial this collaboration is, the musicians have been bringing the music to residents with outdoor and virtual concerts throughout the pandemic, according to the release. Resonance: Music Across the Ages was shot during a live outdoor performance at Providence Manor in August 2020.

“Some of our students have been performing for residents for more than a decade. When the pandemic hit and the concerts were put on hold, they really missed their resident friends. The virtual and outdoor performances are a way to keep these special connections in the midst of a challenging time,” said Kimmett. “We truly hope this documentary inspires other long-term care homes and arts organizations to come together and form their own memorable relationships.”

“This may be a simple partnership but it has a wealth of benefits for everyone involved,” added Szabo. “Our residents have lost a connection to the community because of the pandemic, but the virtual and outdoor performances are helping fill that gap, and allowing them to continue to engage with people outside of the home in meaningful ways. The documentary also shows despite being in the middle of a pandemic, we can come together safely and create something beautiful.” 

Resonance: Music Across the Ages is now available to watch on YouTube. Click here to watch the documentary.