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For this project, we were pleased to be working with music in dementia expert Julian West
(and Live Music Now alumnus) and who advised and provided context for the musicians and
composer. He also introduced us to Rare Dementia Support and the UCL Dementia Research
Centre, who helped us to recruit our participating couples and are providing much-needed
logistical and emotional support.

So much of our activity usually happens behind closed doors, in care homes and other adult
social care settings. Judith’s Castle offers us a welcome opportunity to showcase the
possibilities of using music in this way and highlights the remarkable role professional
musicians can play in society.

In hearing the new music created by Electra with the families, we want to challenge the
scaremongering, negativity and pessimism that usually accompanies a dementia diagnosis, and
instead show how much joy can still be found through music, creativity and a celebration of
life.

Stephen Higgins is Co-Director of Theatre of Sound.
Electra Perivolaris is Composer of Judith’s Castle.
Nina Swann is Executive Director of Live Music Now.

www.theatreofsound.org
@TheatreSound | @LiveMusicNowUK

Theatre of Sound’s Bluebeard’s Castle and Judith’s Castle will take place at Stone Nest in
Soho, London from 4-14 November. Two relaxed, informal and free performances of Judith’s
Castle will take place at 2pm on Saturday 6 and Saturday 13 November lasting approximately
45 minutes. For tickets visit theatreofsound. The performance will be filmed and available to
watch free on the London Sinfonietta website.

Link to Author(s):
Stephen Higgins
Electra Perivolaris
Nina Swann

Feature Participatory arts Music Opera Collaboration Health and wellbeing