ABOUT SONGHAVEN

Songhaven is a dementia-friendly professional concert series based in London, founded by opera singer and professional event producer, Vivien Conacher. Songhaven is founded on the belief that people living with dementia (including carers and companions) deserve the dignity of high-quality music experiences in a relaxed, inclusive, and joyous atmosphere.

Numerous research studies have shown that music can be a powerful therapeutic tool in dementia care. Music engagement (and particularly singing) can be used to help reduce agitation as well as feelings of loneliness and anxiety. It can also trigger memories, stimulate cognition, and improve mood and connectivity with others.

To bring these well-being benefits to people living with dementia, Songhaven organises numerous concert events throughout the year. All feature performances by professional classicall-trained artists, a social post-concert afternoon tea to maximise community connection, and a proudly dementia-friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The free dementia-friendly concerts are offered year-round in London and Bedford.

In addition to the concert series, Songhaven offers a free selection of online concert films with singalong lyrics displayed on screen, as well as delivering bespoke performances for paying clients including care homes, community centres, and special events (often marking special awareness days, festivals or celebrations).

All Songhaven artists are professional classically-trained soloists who have performed in major musicals on the West End, in world-renowned concert halls, and for respected opera companies including Glyndebourne, English National Opera, the Royal Opera, Garsington Opera and English Touring Opera. In addition to their professional credits, all Songhaven artists are experienced in outreach performance work and are passionate about creating meaningful connections with their audiences through music.

For further information (as well as to enjoy clips of Songhaven performances), you can follow Songhaven on instagram @songhaven_uk and Facebook @SonghavenUK and subscribe to Songhaven’s monthly event announcements HERE.

FURTHER INFORMATION

  • SONGHAVEN CARE CONCERTS – solo performance visits by professional classically-trained musicians to care homes and community centres. CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
  • COLLABORATIVE SPECIAL EVENTS with opera companies, community groups, and arts organisations – these bespoke experiences have included dementia-friendly singing workshops, opera gala nights, door-stop concerts, and garden performances Please email songhaven@songhaven.co.uk to enquire about any bespoke collaborative projects!

OUR CORE VALUES

  • Professional Excellence – in the calibre of musicians we work with, the preparation put into each concert programme, the running of our events on the day, and the audio/visual quality of our digital offerings.
  • Inclusion – proactively creating spaces where people at risk of exclusion and social isolation (including people living with dementia, older people, and carers) feel welcomed on a regular basis into a caring community.
  • Joy – fostered through quality music-making, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere and presentation style, and our social post-concert afternoon teas.
  • Connection – artists are encouraged to mingle and interact with the audience during live performances, as well as during the post-concert afternoon tea, volunteers of all ages are on hand to engage with attendees throughout the event, and to seek feedback and music requests.
  • Participation – Songhaven events always include interactive moments – such as singalongs, movement, dancing, and clapping – participation is actively encouraged throughout the concert!
  • Dignity & Respect – everyone deserves the best possible experience at Songhaven! Every Songhaven event is designed so that attendees, artists, and team members feel seen and valued and are always treated with respect and dignity.