On Wednesday 11 September, the courtyard at Middle Swan Residential Care was filled with the rich, emotive sounds of classical and contemporary music, as members of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) performed as a string quartet for over 100 residents, family members and staff.

The event was part of WASO’s Music for the Ages programme, a community initiative designed to bring the joy and healing power of music to older Australians. The quartet comprising Katheryn Lee and Kate Sullivan on violin, Helen Tuckey on viola, and Eve Silver on cello delivered a stunning repertoire that spanned centuries and genres, from Vivaldi and Bach to the romance of Edith Piaf and the charm of Dean Martin, and The Beatles.

The performance opened with Vivaldi’s spirited Concerto Alla Rustica, setting a vibrant tone for the morning. As the programme unfolded, the audience was treated to beloved classics including Mozart’s Rondo Alla Turca, Tchaikovsky’s Garland Waltz, and Debussy’s dreamy Clair de Lune. The quartet also delighted guests with popular favourites such as That’s Amore, Por Una Cabeza, and Edelweiss, culminating in a heartfelt rendition of Londonderry Air (Danny Boy).

The atmosphere was one of pure enjoyment. Residents swayed gently and sang along to the music, family members smiled warmly, and some of our staff paused their day to soak in the beauty of the moment.

WASO’s Music for the Ages programme continues to enrich lives across Western Australia, and Middle Swan was honoured to be part of this meaningful initiative.