World Alzheimer’s Day: Manchester Camerata debuts a new online film to accompany its music cafe at Gorton monastery

21 September is World Alzheimer’s Day, Manchester Camerata have released a brand new online film ‘Untol’ – exploring early onset dementia inspired by the life of Keith, a Wigan-based man who the Orchestra met at one of its creative music-making sessions in 2018.

Previously a coach driver for football clubs across the northwest, a member of the grenadier guards and an avid music fan, the film tells of Keith’s personal account of how dementia affects the everyday life of him and his wife Joan, as well as the transformative ways in which music helps him. The film offers a visual and musical response to early onset dementia, creating a narrative inspired by Keith’s experience to raise awareness on World Alzheimer’s Day.

The film comes just weeks after the Orchestra launched its brand-new Music Café at the Monastery in Gorton, extending its ground-breaking community work to support those living with dementia and at-home carers. The Camerata continues its dementia research partnership with The University of Manchester which has proven first-hand how music empowers people living with dementia.

Untold marks a bold and creative departure for the orchestra fusing music, spoken word, film and multi camera work both for the first time and at a time when live performance is heavily restricted but much needed. These films enable Manchester Camerata – an orchestra that puts community impact front and centre – to remain connected to the needs of its musicians, collaborators, audiences and the wider community.

The Music Café is held weekly in the stunning Great Nave at the Monastery in Gorton, East Manchester, where the orchestra is based. The cafe is run as a weekly music workshop to help support local residents who are living at home with dementia as well as providing much needed respite and support for their carers and family members.

Click here to watch the video.