Residents at Barchester’s Alice Grange Care Home in Kesgrave were recently treated to a wonderful afternoon of music therapy thanks to talented brother and sister duo, Grace and James Harman. Both gifted students of music, Grace and James entertained the residents with their beautiful renditions of classic pieces such as Somewhere Over The Rainbow and We’ll Meet Again

Local to Kesgrave, Grace and James have a long history of playing at Alice Grange and have been frequent visitors over the years. Grace first visited the home when she was at Kesgrave High School and she goes back regularly to play to the residents during the holidays - staff say that everyone very much looks forward to her visits.

One resident in particular, Michael McNaughton, a keen pianist himself for many years, took the opportunity to join Grace at the piano. Michael, who lives with dementia, played the piano at church for many years and has a gift for picking up any tune and being able to play it by ear. He jumped at the chance to critique Grace’s performance and play some tunes for her in return which everyone loved.

Raciel Sagun, General Manager at Alice Grange, said, “Music is so therapeutic, it puts a smile on everyone’s face. We are so grateful to Grace and James for coming to play for us, they are so talented and we all enjoy their visits so much. It was especially lovely to see the joy it brought to Michael to be able to play with them, it was a really special afternoon.”

Michael added. “I’m always happiest when I am playing the piano. It was lovely to hear Grace and James play, I felt so inspired that I had to join in. It was a wonderful afternoon, I do hope Grace didn’t mind me stealing the limelight a little!”

* To find out more about Barchester or to find your closest care home, click here.