MUSICIANS from a world class orchestra brought the magic of Christmas alive for care home residents.

Cellist and keyboard player David Petri and violinist Caroline Abbott spread the Yule Tide cheer for the residents of Pendine’s Hillbury and Gwern Alyn care homes.

The talented duo from the Hallé performed a string of festive favourites as part of an enrichment partnership with the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham.

Elsie Galley, who’s in her 90s, was praised by the professionals for her beautiful voice as she sang along to the Irving Berlin favourite White Christmas and the soulful In the Bleak Midwinter.

Elsie, a mum of two, grandmother of four and great-grand mum to a baby girl, is known for her love of music.

Carer Keziah de Souza said: “Elsie only came to live with us recently but she has found a place in all our hearts. She is so polite and gentle, and she loves music. We often find her singing along to herself in her room or in the recreational lounge.”

The Leader: PIC: Elsie Galley singing White Christmas with Caroline Abbott on violin.

Caroline and David say there is nothing better than seeing people’s faces light up and feeling they can express themselves through music.

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The pair are both members of Manchester’s world famous Halle Orchestra and have worked for more than a decade with the Hallé’s community outreach projects, by playing music for those who are vulnerable.

They firmly believe in the therapeutic powers of music earlier in the day they ran a similar music workshop at Pendine’s Penybryn care home.

David said: “We enjoy leading the music sessions but it is most rewarding when we can see the residents start smiling and begin to sing along with us as they recall the words to different songs. That is the best part of our job. It has long been known that music has therapeutic powers and we witness its benefits every time we come here.”

He and Caroline played a mix of Christmas songs and festive numbers from the movies and folklore, but they began by mixing things up a little with a modern favourite, Fairytale of New York, in tribute to Irish-born singer-songwriter Shane MacGowan who died on November 30.

Residents Maureen Williams and Anne Ashfield especially enjoyed the melodic carols Once in Royal David’s City and Away in the Manger, which they recalled singing as children.

The Leader: PIC: Josephine Price, Irene Bishop and Audrey Stace enjoying the music.

Maureen said: “It is a privilege for us to be able to sing along with musicians from the Halle.”

Manager Cindy Clutton said: “David and Caroline are absolute stars and their visit today was a truly wonderful and uplifting experience for residents, their families and the staff.

“Music and the arts generally are a part of daily life at Pendine but there is something extra special about the magic of Christmas that puts a twinkle in the eye and joy in your heart.”