EDINA, Minn. — In a season that can be overwhelming for those living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, a unique Twin Cities choir celebrated the holidays with carols and some of Broadway’s best tunes.
The Giving Voice Crosstown Chorus presented a “Back to Broadway” concert at Meetinghouse Church in Edina Friday morning. The concert featured some of Broadway’s most renowned songs, including “Edelweiss” and “My Favorite Things” from the Sound of Music. But choir leaders said the choir’s most important gift remains the community and connection enjoyed by those who know the Alzheimer’s or other dementia journey.
“Music is such an important part of people’s lives. And whether they have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or a different dementia or even just they struggle with the holidays, music gives us joy. And in this space and at this time, they enjoy only the music and they enjoy only each other,” said Debbie Richman, Artistic Director of the Giving Voice Crosstown Chorus.
Richman went on to share why the choir offers a “safe” community for those living with dementia: “There’s no rules. There’s no right or wrong. It’s not about how good of a singer you are or anything like that. It’s just being in this space with each other in a place that is really completely safe for them.”
KARE 11’s Karla Hult also attended the Friday concert and greeted those in the choir and in the audience. Hult remains a fierce advocate for those living with Alzheimer’s – even starting her own company, So Many Goodbyes – after losing her own dad to the cruel disease in 2019.
To learn more about the Giving Voice choirs throughout the Twin Cities – how you can participate or support their outreach – go to: https://givingvoicechorus.org.
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