“The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is inviting senior citizens from Hampton Roads to take a trip to the Virginia Beach Convention Center, and a trip back in time,” writes Dan Duke in Friday’s (5/26) Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk). “The orchestra is putting on a concert designed for music lovers with a touch, or more, of gray. ‘It seems like such a natural idea that it could have been routine, but it’s never been done before,’ said resident conductor Benjamin Rous. ‘Someone in the office said, “You know, there are people who would love to see the symphony who can’t make it to our regular performances,” ’ he said. That someone … was Teresa Kraus, chief financial officer. Rous called the performance a result of the strategic planning that symphony leaders undertake to identify and reach new segments of the community.” The concert takes place at 2 p.m. on June 8 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. “It’s well-documented that music offers specific benefits for the elderly, and … the Internet turned up seven benefits of music therapy for physical and mental health: relieving boredom, motivating movement, rekindling positive memories, shifting negative thinking patterns, calming nervousness, encouraging happy thoughts, and promoting social interaction.”
Posted May 31, 2017
