Over March 2025, Westminster City Council provided funding for ENO to deliver a project across different care settings in Westminster. The 8 places we visited included care homes, assisted living, day centres for the elderly and community hubs. The project brought singers and musicians from the ENO Chorus and Orchestra into these spaces, as well as freelance artists to lead and perform a variety of activities, which were tailored to the needs and wants of each setting. These activities included singalong workshops – using familiar and beloved opera repertoire, more intimate moments of connection through music in individual resident’s rooms, a craft activity for people to make their own flower brooch, as well as the opportunity to try on or simply touch or look at costumes and hats from previous ENO productions. 

We used music from opera as our starting point, such as the ‘Humming chorus’ from Puccini’s Madame Butterfly or ‘Summertime’ from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. However the direction of the performances was often led by how people responded – whether this was an emotional response, knowing the words to sing along or getting out of their seat to dance. 

Hear what participants of the project thought:

“The residents thoroughly enjoyed participating in the classical music performance. They were delighted by the experience, expressing their enthusiasm for both the singing and dancing. Many residents shared their appreciation and inquired about future performances, hoping for another opportunity to engage with such a wonderful event.”-  Resident at Leonora House Assisted Living

“The staff and residents truly enjoyed the experience, especially trying on the costumes, singing and dancing, which added to the fun and immersive atmosphere. Overall, it was a highly positive and enriching experience for everyone involved.” – Care Worker at Leonora House Assisted Living

“You could close your eyes and it was like you were at the theatre” – Participant at New Avenues Community Centre

ENO in the Community was generously funded by Westminster City Council.