The Ann Arbor Camerata (AAC) brings chamber ensembles to local senior living communities in a new performance series called “Doorstep Serenades”. The series targets residents who experience extreme isolation due to COVID-19 safety regulations by presenting half-hour concerts featuring music of various styles and instrumentations. AAC is curating these performances in a safe, socially distanced way. The chamber musicians will play at least six feet apart from one another, on centrally located lawns and courtyards in the facilities. The residents can open their windows and listen to the music from a safe distance.

On May 12th, the AAC presented the first performance of the “Doorstep Serenades” series at Balfour Senior living. The initial performance was so well received that Balfour hired the AAC to bring “Doorstep Serenades” performances to the home on a recurring basis.

AAC’s goal for the “Doorstep Serenades” concert series is to be able to reach as many senior living communities as possible. At this time, the AAC is focusing on performances for senior communities in Ann Arbor, however, as the organization continues to grow and as COVID-19 restrictions dissolve, we will consider expanding our performances to all the greater Washtenaw county.

Few populations have felt the impacts of isolation as severely as seniors living in assisted living homes and elderly care facilities, and the AAC recognizes music’s ability to improve the lives of these isolated individuals. We are excited to present “Doorstep Serenades” and to continue discovering new ways to present live performances during this turbulent time.