HIDDEN VOICES Gives A Voice To Dementia At The Epstein Theatre

Musicians from the award-winning Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and acclaimed composer John McHugh bring their highly commended and unique 'Hidden Voice' to the Epstein Theatre on Thursday 9th May 2019

'Hidden Voice' brings music and dementia into the concert hall by capturing the individual stories of people living with dementia and using the melodies and rhythms in their speech to create a beautiful and emotional musical experience.

As John McHugh explained: "Live musicians, film and audio will take the audience into the innermost thoughts of the people on the screen to raise awareness about one of the most misunderstood conditions of our time.

"The aim of the piece is to 'give a voice' to people living with dementia by setting their speech patterns to music'' adds McHugh.

"The effect is incredibly emotional. There's something about setting speech patterns to music that raises the everyday speech to a poetic and profound level. The words take on a singing quality that speaks directly to the audience."

The testimonies collected during the film sessions were edited and then used as the themes for the music. The 35 minute finished piece was divided into 5 sections with titles such as, "Bessie Was a Weaver", "She's No Longer My Mum" and "A Different World"

John and musicians will also be joined by dancers from LIPA, Merseyside Dance Initiative, Growing Old (Dis) Gracefully and local playwright Trisha Duffy who will interpret themes from the piece.

The event is part of the Hidden Voice national project in partnership with The Alzheimer's Society and arts organisations throughout Britain.

Website: www.musicinmind.org.uk. Tickets: https://www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk/events/hidden-voice/