AN ELDERLY care home resident proved it is never too late to experience the power of music.

Music lover Philip Ainscow, a resident of the The Lindsay Bupa Care Home in Poole, was invited by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to attend the BSO’s Proms in the Park concert earlier this month, following a request from staff at the care home as part of their #NeverTooLate campaign.

Philip arrived at Meyrick Park, Bournemouth, in time to watch the orchestra rehearse for its afternoon concert. After a performance by BSO Resound, the orchestra’s disabled-led ensemble, the BSO performed works by Bach, Elgar and Vaughan Williams.

As well as watching the BSO’s rehearsal and performance, Philip had the opportunity to meet members of the orchestra and Marta Gardolinska, the BSO’s young conductor in association.

Musicians from the brass section of the orchestra, including the BSO’s principal trombone and principal tuba, also spoke to Philip about his experience of playing the trombone with the Salvation Army.

When asked about his day with the orchestra, Philip said: “I had such an enjoyable day, I couldn’t have guessed the surprise but it was worth the wait. I was honoured to meet members of the orchestra as they are one of the best. It was very kind of them to meet me, it was so much fun I wish I could do it all again. Thank you to everyone for making me feel so special and inviting me to watch the show.”