NEWS: Classical music collaboration again aims to serve those with Alzheimer's

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

April 27, 2012

classical music collaboration AIMS TO SERVE those with alzheimer’s

SALT LAKE CITY – Throughout the month of May, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO) will again collaborate with the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter for “Making Sense of Alzheimer’s Month,” providing those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias with more access to classical music.

Several recent studies have continued to assert the positive effect that music therapy can have, specifically, on those living with AD and related dementias. USUO and the Alzheimer’s Association do not see “Making Sense of Alzheimer’s Month” as a direct form of therapy, but they hope it will give the local Alzheimer’s population a chance to enjoy the soothing and energizing aspects of music that contribute to the success of such therapeutic treatments.

As part of the collaboration, USUO will offer participants discounted and complimentary tickets for May performances to those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, their families and their caregivers. The organization will also provide small outreach performances by professional musicians associated with USUO at local care centers. These musicians include Utah Opera’s current resident artists and pianists as well as groups of musicians from the Utah Symphony.  “Making Sense of Alzheimer’s Month” began as a similar project in early 2010, and has since been offered to the community in May of each year. 

The Alzheimer’s Association asserts that music can serve as therapy to those with Alzheimer’s because it stirs past memories and emotions.

For more information about “Making Sense of Alzheimer’s Month,” please call 801-533-NOTE (6683).

“Making Sense of Alzheimer’s Month” Event Listings

May 7 | 7:30 PM            Of Mice and Men
Utah Opera, Capitol Theatre
Complimentary ticket for Alzheimer’s Care Recipient & one companion

                                                20% off for other companions

May 18 | 10 AM              Finishing Touches: “Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1”
Utah Symphony, Abravanel Hall
Complimentary ticket for Alzheimer’s Care Recipient & one companion

$10 for other companions

May 25 | 7:15 PM          “Beethoven Cycle Concludes” Pre-concert Chat
Utah Symphony, Abravanel Hall
Free with performance ticket

May 25 | 8 PM               “Beethoven Cycle Concludes”
Utah Symphony, Abravanel Hall
Complimentary ticket for Alzheimer’s Care Recipient & one companion

                                                20% off for other companions

Facilities are wheelchair assessable. Please ask for wheelchair and other assessable seating when purchasing tickets.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association seeks to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected through community partnerships; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.