Musicians On CallΜύinvited the public to phone ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 3 to nominate a friend, relative or colleague, who is unable to reach a concert hall, to receive a live classical performance in their own home or workplace.
During Listen Up!Μύfor the last month professional musicians from 30 of Britain's leading orchestras have performed 100 concerts 'On Call'.
Members of the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ National Orchestra of WalesΜύOn Call
Anouska Henderson, a 20 year music student nominated her Grandfather 84 year old Fred Henderson a self taught viola player with a passion for both listening to and playing music. Mr Henderson from Cwmbran near Newport in South Wales and his wife Pat, a keen cellist, are both active musicians and active members of an ensemble called Llandenny strings. Recently however Fred spent a long spell in hospital recovering from an accident resulting in head injury.
Mr Henderson was eventually able to go home to continue his recovery but was left unable to play his viola or to get out and about. This was the perfect cue for four players from ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ National Orchestra of Wales; Suzanne Casey (First Violin), Naomi Thomas (Second Violin), Rob Gibbons (Viola) and Carolyn Hewitt (Cello). They formed a Musicians On Call string quartet specially to visit Fred β Rob and Carolyn also couldnβt resist an invitation to try out The Hendersonsβ viola and cello!
Pat Henderson says the visit was βa revelationβ and happily, shortly afterwards, Fred was able to join her at the next rehearsal of the Llandenny strings.