Opera Su Presto Show to raise funds for dementia

November 10, 2016

A fun-filled political farce, Les Liaisons Misérables, featuring Baroque and Classical music mixed with songs from music theatre, will wrap up this year’s series of Music For David concerts.  

Opera Su Presto, a group of talented singers, actors and dancers, will perform this entertaining show devised and directed by James Wright on Sunday, December 18. 

Set in the court of Louis XVI of France, it features costumes that evoke the period and music including arias and songs by Handel, Mozart, Rossini, Bernstein and Lerner and Loewe, accompanied by piano, violin and flute. 

The concert is a key fundraiser for Uniting AgeWell’s music therapy program, Music For David. 

Music For David uses music on an iPod or MP3 player to soothe yet gently stimulate people who are agitated or withdrawn due to the effects of dementia.  It not only provides a meaningful, relevant and enjoyable activity for the person with dementia, but supports carers by giving them short-term respite from caring for their loved ones. 

Music For David was established in memory of The Reverend David Hodges AM, the Minister at Toorak Uniting Church until his retirement in 1983.  Uniting AgeWell supported David and his partner, musician David Ross-Smith, from 2011 until his death the following year, and music played a significant role in David’s care. 

The Friends of Music For David, headed by David Ross-Smith, organise a number of events each year to raise funds for the Music For David Program. 

David said the money raised would allow more people to access music therapy, which has been proven to have positive effects on people with dementia.  

“Music is not only beneficial for people with dementia, it also has therapeutic effects on healthy people as well,” he said. 

“My hope for this Show is for people to have an enjoyable and uplifting experience and leave feeling better than they arrived.

“The Show is very colourful and hilarious – great entertainment for those needing some respite from the pre-Christmas rush.”

When: Sunday, December 18, 3.30pm
Where: Toorak Uniting Church, 603 Toorak Road, Toorak (Tram Stop 39)
Admission: $40 or $35 concession. Refreshments provided following the concert. 
Bookings and enquiries: David Ross-Smith 0429 907 908 https://www.trybooking.com/243...

Photograph and interview opportunities are available.