Constella aims to combat loneliness among the elderly with its Connecting Stars initiative, which provides one-to-one virtual performances to isolated care home residents. Since its launch, more than 50 care homes have taken part with nearly 150 performances reaching more than 2,000 residents.
To raise money for the programme, a Christmas Gala will be streamed online from Tuesday 8 December filmed in Studio Wayne McGregor. It will feature an opera-ballet performance of "The Bearded Lady" from Sideshows, a solo accordion performance of Piazzola’s "Adios Nonino", music from West Side Story and "Habanera" from Carmen. Harp and violin duet Olivia Jageurs and Phillipa Mo will perform Heifetz’s "Deep River" and a Handel sonata. "He shall feed His flock like a shepherd" from Handel’s Messiah will be choreographed by Jaered Glavin in opera-ballet style followed by three excerpts from Nutcracker.
Constella founder Leo Geyer said, "we are proud to have redirected our energies to play our part in the battle against the pandemic. It has been our honour to bring joy and happiness to the elderly combating the pressing issues of loneliness and isolation in care homes. Our virtual performances have become an essential and permanent fixture for many care home residents across the country."