Andre Rieu's soprano Mirusia takes on new role amidst Covid Pandemic

Mirusia, known the world over as André Rieu’s star soprano of close to a decade, has taken on a new role amidst the Covid pandemic.

Nicknamed “The Angel of Australia” by the famous Dutch violinist, Brisbane-based Mirusia has signed on as an ambassador of the groundbreaking not-for-profit nostalgic broadcast service, Silver Memories with the goal of giving the joy of music to aged care residents all over Australia.

Mirusia has achieved recognition as an international performer, singing many styles of music including opera, musical theatre, pop and jazz, however, the global superstar first cut her teeth performing for aged care residents as a youngster.

“My mother worked in aged care when I was younger, and she would often ask me to sing for the residents,” said  Mirusia.

“From a very  young age, I experienced the positive power of music on the aged, so I am beyond excited to be part of the Silver Memories community, and to offer my assistance as a volunteer at the Silver Memories studio.”

In November, Mirusia will perform a 60-minute live concert at various aged care facilities, showcasing music from the past. 

“What a thrill it will be for residents to have Mirusia visit their aged care home and perform live for them – most will only have seen her in André Rieu concerts on their TV,” said Silver Memories General Manager, Gary Thorpe OAM.

Award-winning broadcasting service, Silver Memories is a specialised 24/7 nostalgic music service providing reminiscence music therapy for older Australians helping to combat the severe loneliness experienced by older Australians, especially during COVID lockdowns.

“The service is designed to help residents spark conversations, feel re-connected, reminisce and recall memories, and improve quality of life,” said Mr Thorpe.

“Silver Memories is 100% backed by research and clinical studies, proving the service is highly-beneficial to older Australians, carers and aged care staff alike.”

100-year-old Audrey Dillingham of St Vincent’s Aged Care Carseldine is one of thousands of Silver Memories’ avid listeners, and has shared how important the service is to her mental health and wellbeing. 

“As soon as I wake up, I put it on, I never miss it, I love the old songs and the images are so lovely to see,” said Mrs Dillingham.

The unique broadcasting service is both ad- and disruption-free and includes a visual service complete with over 6,000 images from different interests.

“I have people come in my room to see me and we sing along to the music together,” said Mrs Dillingham.

According to research, the service is especially needed during these challenging times of COVID restrictions and lockdowns to help our elderly Australians feel socially-engaged and connected.

“Research shows that around one in four Australian seniors are affected by social isolation, and our service is proven to show a significant improvement in quality of life and depression for residents at aged care facilities after listening to Silver Memories for 12 months as part of their regular activities,” said Mr Thorpe.

“Silver Memories is much more than a broadcast service; we have a whole package with a range of activities and support designed to benefit everyone, including aged care staff.

“The service is available nationwide via satellite installation or even an app, it includes a range of resources, monthly-themed concerts and events, music requests and birthday call outs and a program guide.”

Silver Memories has been supported by the Australian Medical Association (QLD) and Alzheimer’s Australia (QLD) who use the unique service as part of their Dementia Behaviour Management Service (DBMAS).

For more information about Silver Memories, please visit: www.silvermemories.com.au

ENDS 

For interview/photo requests with Mirusia and/or Gary Thorpe, please contact:

Joanne Rahn
Director
zanthii communications
Phone: 0402 148 334
Email: joanne@zanthii.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/zanthiiau