For more than a decade, students with Canta Arya School for Strings have been performing for residents at Providence Manor. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the school would host as many as 20 concerts a year at the long-term care home.
“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.”
The two organizations teamed up again and produced a documentary on their unique collaboration called Resonance: Music Across the Ages. It shines a spotlight on how the power of music brings these generations together to create special bonds.
The documentary was originally to be shot 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. 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 on YouTube for the community to watch. Click here to watch the documentary.
Quick Facts
- Canta Arya School for Strings is a registered charity and Kingston’s Suzuki leading violin and viola training school for youth. Youth range from 3 to 18-years-old.
- Providence Manor is one of Southeastern Ontario’s largest long-term care homes. It features 243-beds and provides care for residents who have stable medical conditions, but require 24-hour nursing care.
- Resonance: Music Across the Ages was shot, edited and produced by The Pro Shooters, a media production company based in Vancouver and Toronto.
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About Providence Care:
Providence Care is Southeastern Ontario’s leading provider of specialized care in aging, mental health and rehabilitation. The organization consists of Providence Care Hospital, Providence Manor long-term care home and more than 20 community-based mental health and support services across the region. To find out more about Providence Care, visit ProvidenceCare.ca or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information, contact:
Nikki Jhutti
Communications Officer
Phone: 613-544-4900 ext. 53372
Email: jhuttin@providencecare.ca or info@providencecare.ca
About Canta Arya School for Strings:
Canta Arya School for Strings is Kingston’s leading centre for Suzuki violin and viola training, and is known for its local and global outreach. Offering weekly individual and group lessons taught by a highly trained and experienced team of Suzuki violin and viola teachers, Canta Arya aspires to be a musically enriched environment where every child can learn to play and enjoy music for life, supported by recitals, concerts and workshops. To learn more, visit cantaaryastrings.com.
For more information, contact:
Karen-Michele Kimmett
Director
Phone: 613-453-1501
Email: cantaviolin@gmail.com
