Canta Arya School of Strings is Eastern Ontario’s leading school for Suzuki string education. They also happen to have a wonderful partnership with Providence Manor. For the last six years, Canta Arya students have performed concerts at Providence Manor in December and May. In 2016 a more formal collaboration was introduced: lessons are taught in the McKinley Room, small ensembles of violinists perform on Mother’s Day and at the bi-monthly Spouse’s Dinner, and concerts are performed to celebrate other special events at Providence Manor.

The collaboration has been meaningful for both students and residents alike; one resident at Providence Manor even asked if she could begin taking violin lessons. Karen Kimmett, artistic director of the school said: “Our students benefit enormously from sharing their music with others and realizing that, though it is not always fun to practice, it is a gift to be able to brighten someone else’s day with their music and their smiles.”

Canta Arya students also give evening performances in November and June. Following the concert in June, the Chaplain at Providence Manor told Karen that one resident was in awe of the performance and said, “Wasn’t the children’s music beautiful?” This is just one example of the power of music to touch children and residents alike.

The concerts are very interactive as residents are encouraged to clap and sing along, and inter-generational relationships are enhanced.  Thanks to a generous donation from one of our families, the Providence  Auditorium now has a beautiful Heintzman piano to enhance all the musical programs that take place in this lovely room.

Canta Arya believes that music performed with others is a step to bringing harmony to the world, and we couldn’t agree more. Canta Arya teachers and students look forward to continuing this partnership with Providence Manor residents and staff.

To learn more about Canta Arya, visit their website