Today we welcomed a string duo of Tanya Cracknell (violin) and Marianne Hardisty (cello) to Bridgeside Lodge. Marianne was making her first visit to Bridgeside Lodge, while Tanya is a Spitz veteran of many years. The duo played for residents both in large group settings, as well as visiting less mobile residents in their rooms.

It’s really interesting to watch the reaction of residents (and staff) when presented with an unfamiliar instrument. We see lots of guitars, keyboards and double basses at Bridgeside, but very rarely a cello! Some wondered if it was a large violin, others thought it must surely be a mini double bass. Providing this type of stimulus even before a note is played makes for a fun sense of anticipation. One that proved absolutely justified as Tanya and Marianne began to play.

After the session, Tanya reflected:

“Marianne and I were thrilled to perform our first gig as a duo at Bridgeside Lodge! Using two acoustic string instruments brought an intimacy to the session today. I think reduced forces makes people listen more intently. Resident F and her husband held hands throughout our first group session with loving glances especially during the classical and romantic songs. I didn’t hear her speak but her eyes said everything. We played such a wide range of music today – From Bach to Disney to Simon & Garfunkel – it’s such fun preparing new music for Spitz!”