LAW firm Rawlins Davy is helping the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra expand its programme of vital concerts in residential and care homes.

The company is funding a series of performances over the coming weeks and months as the world famous orchestra starts up its community work in earnest once again following the pandemic.

It’s part of a wider, ongoing programme backed by Tapper Funeral Service which will feature 30 concerts overall.

The hour-long interactive performances are specifically designed for elderly residents and feature a range of musical genres.

Each concert is led by professional musicians from the orchestra, and residents are encouraged to sing, clap and dance along – with song requests welcomed.

The homes will also be able to access the orchestra’s previous live streamed concerts, introduced in the pandemic when audiences were not permitted.

Mark Kiteley of Rawlins Davy said: “We are absolutely delighted to be supporting the BSO in taking music to care home residents once again.

“The orchestra’s outreach initiatives are such an important part of what the BSO does and we are in awe of the difference it makes to people’s lives, both residents and staff.

“It is such a tangible example of the amazing power of music.”

The partnership with the BSO came about after Rawlins Davy, which has offices in Bournemouth and Poole, commissioned a nostalgia video about the history of the orchestra last year.

The film featured an interview with BSO chief executive Dougie Scarfe and historic pictures and other material from the Bournemouth Echo archives.

Mr Kiteley added: “Rawlins Davy was established in 1832 and it seems singularly appropriate that we should be supporting such a wonderful and historic institution as the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in what it does, not least in times that continue to be really challenging.

“I think we would probably all agree that community work, especially in the care sector, is more important than ever after everything that has happened in the past two years.”

The BSO was established in Bournemouth 1893 and is a national and global cultural icon.

Its work in hospitals, the care sector, education and with Alzheimer’s patients is recognised internationally as groundbreaking.

Bea Hankey, acting head of BSO Participate, said: “The BSO exists to provide cultural opportunity to everyone in the area, both in and beyond the concert hall — and during the past two years we’ve been keen to return to residents in local care homes.

“Having kept in touch during the pandemic with our innovative live streamed concerts, we’re thrilled to finally return this spring and are grateful to Tapper Funeral Service and Rawlins Davy for their generous support for this valued part of the orchestra’s work.”