The Jersey Chamber Orchestra marked a momentous occasion on Saturday 11th October, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Gerald Durrell’s birth with a spectacular concert at the newly refurbished Jersey Opera House.

Over 120 musicians and singers filled the venue under the inspired direction of Eamonn
Dougan, performing a program that honoured Durrell’s legacy and paid tribute to the late
Jersey composer Derek Lawrence.

Derek helped found Music in Action 19 years ago and had been tireless in his support for the charity and many other educational organisations on the island.

Central to the evening was Lawrence’s newly commissioned Durrell Suite, performed
by a combined children’s choir from Jersey and Corfu.

Their youthful voices brought vivid musical portraits of the natural world to life, connecting two islands through the enduring legacy of Durrell.

The concert also featured highlights such as Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, and concluded on a
joyful note with Flanders and Swann’s The Hippopotamus Song and The Gnu Song, leaving
the audience beaming.

Proceeds from the event supported the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Music in Action’s Jersey Sings project, which brings music to children in schools across the island.

The celebrations began the previous day, Friday 10th October, with two sold-out Opera
House shows featuring West End talent Rob Houchen (Marius in Les Misérables) and
soprano Georgi Mottram.

The performances were a huge success, delighting audiences with stunning vocals, warmth, and humour, and setting the tone for a week of music and community engagement.

Earlier in the week, Music in Action brought live music directly to the community with
workshops and performances in schools and care homes. From Thursday 9th to Friday 10th October, over 700 pupils and dozens of care home residents experienced the transformative power of live music.

At Cheval Roc Care Home, residents were enchanted by a visiting quartet, clapping, singing, and even dancing as familiar melodies lit up the room.

“These experiences are life-changing,” said a care worker.

“When live musicians come in, residents come alive too — it’s truly magical.

Scientific studies support these observations, showing that music stimulates memory, emotion, and wellbeing, particularly for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

These carehomes sessions were part of a week-long series organised by Music in Action in partnership with LV Care Homes, bringing live professional musicians into care settings and schools across Jersey.

Residents clapped, sang, and even danced in their chairs. “I just want more!” said Daisy,
beaming as her carer Gisler nodded in agreement: “When live musicians come in, the
residents come alive too — you can feel it.”

Music in Action’s educational shows on Friday 10th October at the Opera House invited pupils from seven primary and secondary schools to explore music themed around dementia and Alzheimer’s, including performances from The Carnival of the Animals.

“It was very special for me — The Swan was my favourite!” said one pupil, reflecting the joy and inspiration the week brought.

Heartfelt thanks go to Rebecca Brewer, the staff and volunteers at the Durrell Wildlife
Conservation Trust, the Opera House team, and the tireless Music in Action staff and
volunteers who made the week possible.

Special tribute is also paid to Derek Lawrence, whose Durrell Suite provided a moving centrepiece, celebrating both his artistry and Gerald Durrell’s enduring message of harmony between humanity and nature.

The next Jersey Chamber Orchestra concert will be on Saturday 31st January 2026 and
feature star legendary opera singer Sophie Bevan.

You can find more details on this unique series of events and upcoming activities here.

Presented by Music in Action, these events celebrate the charity’s mission to
transform lives and communities through the power of music.