What music can do

We know music has therapeutic qualities – “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast, to soften rocks or bend a knotted oak”, according to William Congreve, and members of the National Orchestra of Wales certainly proved the truth of Congreve’s opinion recently.

A 20 year old music student nominated her grandfather, 84 year old Fred Henderson, a cello and viola player from Cwmbran, South Wales, for a visit by members of the National Orchestra. Fred was recovering from a long spell in hospital after sustaining a head injury in an accident.

Unable to play his beloved viola or to get out and about, Fred was the ideal candidate for the visit. Four players dropped in and performed in the Henderson’s living room (see photo).

The result was a revelation, according to Fred’s wife, Pat. Shortly afterwards, Anouska’s grandfather was able to join her at the next rehearsal of the Landenny strings.

Music helped Fred, and it can do the same for you. Tune into the BBC and listen to the finest music in the world, played by some of the finest musicians in the world, and broadcast by THE best in the world – the BBC!
Robert L. Fielding