Bleak as it was, the pandemic offered some measure of hope, as people from all walks of life pulled together to make a difference in those dark days.
One of the brightest beacons from that time came from concert cellist Gerald Peregrine and his Covid Care Concerts. Starting in May 2020 – two months into the pandemic – the south Dubliner began putting together groups of professional musicians to travel around the country and perform on the doorsteps of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, entertaining patients and staff alike.
The concerts have been such a success that 1200 have been performed so far in 21 counties across Ireland, with another 500 planned for the rest of this year. But just as the idea began in Dublin, so it comes full circle on Wednesday 15th June, as the National Concert Hall will play host to a very special gala concert, celebrating the Covid Care Concerts as well as the residents and staff of those care homes, all across the country.
