Watch the emotional moment a Newbury care home resident hears his favourite piano piece

A care home in Newbury has captured the moment a resident heard his favourite piano piece, after introducing them to music therapy. 

The emotional video was taken as the team at Care UK’s Winchcombe Place, on Maple Crescent, played his own rendition of Messiaen’s Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jesus to resident and former professional pianist, composer and Head of Music Department at City, University of London, Malcolm Troup.

The regular session now forms part of the home’s efforts to encourage residents to reminisce while enjoying old hobbies. Music therapy, which Malcolm championed throughout his life as Governor of the Music Therapy Charity for 30 years, is especially powerful for residents like him, whose life has revolved around an instrument for many years, and can trigger happy memories while giving residents an alternative way to communicate their thoughts and feelings. 

The home has also hosted a number of music-themed events this year, including a World Piano Day celebration and World Music Day event. 

 

Malcolm said: “I was delighted to hear my recording again.”

Kerry Thompson, Home Manager at Winchcombe Place, said: “We always go above and beyond to support residents, encouraging them to continue enjoying old hobbies where possible and helping them to do so. 

“Malcolm has lived an incredibly rich life – he’s travelled across the world, and his list of achievements, whether academic or musical, is nothing short of extraordinary. A large part of his life has revolved around playing piano, so it’s no surprise music therapy has proven so beneficial for him.

 “It was heartwarming to witness Malcolm’s reaction to his favourite piece being played, and you could see from the look on his face just how much it meant to him. We’re looking forward to continuing implementing music therapy at the home and supporting Malcolm to enjoy the thing he loves most – the piano.”
 
 Born in 1930 in Toronto, Canada, Malcolm’s interest in piano started when he very young. A talented pianist, he began composing his own songs aged nine, quickly earning a scholarship at the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, then making his debut as a professional pianist in Germany eight years later, having studied with some of the country’s most famous musicians. 

Throughout his critically-acclaimed career, Malcolm received a number of distinctions, including a Commonwealth Medal in 1955 as well as an International Music Award. Praised for his technical skills, he also travelled across the world to play, in locations including South America, Eastern Europe, Middle-East and Europe. 

A scholar, Malcolm was also the Director of Music of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama between 1970 and 1975, and remains an Emeritus Professor at City, University of London, where he created a BSc Honours Degree Course in Music. He also chaired many high-profile music societies, including the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe, the European Piano Teachers’ Association and the International Ernest Bloch Society.

Winchcombe Place is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Winchcombe Place, call Customer Relations Manager, Vicki Lambourne, on 0333 321 1923, or email vicki.lambourne@careuk.com.

For more general information, visit careuk.com/winchcombe-place.