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Maritime Festival

Waves of Harmony: Aliens Ensemble Makes Waves at the Richmond Maritime Festival

Greetings, dear friends and music lovers. here’s another exciting update from our musical journey with Aliens Ensemble.

In August, we had the privilege of participating in the 21st annual Richmond Maritime Festival, held at the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. This performance was particularly special, not just for its maritime theme, but for the rich historical context it provided.

The Britannia Shipyards, nestled along the Steveston Channel on the south arm of the Fraser River, is a treasure trove of Richmond’s history. Originally a cannery before its conversion into a shipyard, this Historic Site now boasts 12 heritage buildings. Each structure tells a unique story of the multicultural residents and fisheries workers who shaped this community – Chinese, European, First Nations, and Japanese-Canadians. It’s a living testament to the diverse tapestry of our region’s past.

What made our performance even more meaningful was its location. We were arranged to play outside the Chinese bunkhouse, where Chinese workers once lived and worked. As Chinese women ourselves, this added a layer of poignancy to our music, connecting us to the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us.

Given the maritime theme of the festival, we were naturally asked to perform ocean-related songs. We were more than happy to oblige! Our repertoire included a collection of some 20 Western folk songs, which we played using a delightful mix of Western and Chinese musical instruments – cello, keyboard, yangqin, and pipa. It was a true fusion of East and West, much like the history of the shipyards themselves.

We were particularly honored to learn that we were the first to bring Chinese musical instruments to this festival. It felt like we were adding a new chapter to the multicultural history of the Festival, bridging the past and present through our music.

Family and ‘little aliens’ providing on-site support

The day was made even more special by the presence of our family members and friends who came to support us. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it warmed our hearts to see familiar faces in the audience. But the cherry on top? We were overjoyed to have recruited some of our Aliens’ offspring – the “little aliens,” as we affectionately call them – to join us in future events! It seems the musical legacy of Aliens Ensemble is set to continue for another generation.

As we played our final notes with the gentle lapping of the Fraser River in the background, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of continuity. From the Chinese workers who once lived in the bunkhouse to our group of middle-aged Chinese women playing a mix of Eastern and Western music, we are all part of the ongoing story of this place.

Friends, fans and supporters

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Dragons and Melodies: Aliens Ensemble Enchants the Richmond Night Market

Greetings, music enthusiasts. Gloria here, with an exciting update about our recent performance with Aliens Ensemble.

Since the formation of our group, we’ve been fortunate to participate in various events around Vancouver. Recently, we had the pleasure of performing at the Richmond Night Market during the Mid-Autumn Festival, an experience that was both rewarding and memorable.

The Richmond Night Market, established in 2000, has grown into a significant event that attracts visitors from across Metro Vancouver and even from the United States. This year’s theme, “Summer of Sweet Dragon,” provided a vibrant backdrop for our performance.

 

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Allow me to share some highlights of this remarkable event. The Night Market boasts over 600 international food options, tempting visitors with an array of flavors from around the world. More than 110 retail booths offer a diverse selection of trendy fashion items and artisanal crafts. For the young (and young at heart), there are enormous bouncy castles and a lively game section, adding an element of playful excitement to the festivities.

As dusk fell and the market came alive with its dazzling light display, we took to the stage. Our ensemble for the evening consisted of Helena on pipa, Kaitlyn on erhu, Yvonne on yangqin, and myself on guzheng. We performed a selection of beloved pieces, specially arranged to showcase our unique instrumental combination. It was gratifying to see our music resonating with both Chinese and Western audience members.

After our performance, we couldn’t resist indulging in the culinary delights offered by the numerous food stands. Being of Chinese heritage ourselves, we were particularly drawn to the authentic dishes that reminded us of home. The aromas and flavors were truly exceptional, and we may have overindulged a bit!

Performing at the Night Market was a genuine honor, made even more special by the knowledge that this is the final year the event will be held at its current outdoor location. The area is scheduled for development, but we’re looking forward to the completion of the project, which promises an indoor venue for future Night Markets.

As we reflect on this experience, we feel a deep sense of gratitude – for each other, for the opportunity to share our music, and for all those who support us. We look forward to many more evenings of music and cultural exchange in the future.

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Aliens Ensemble’s Delightful Debuts

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? The past few weeks have been an absolute whirlwind for all of us in Aliens Ensemble. After the recent formation of our group, we were overjoyed to have our very first performance opportunities come our way in quick succession.

The excitement was palpable as we prepared to showcase our unique blend of Western and Eastern musical talents to the world. And let me tell you, these debut performances did not disappoint!

Our first show was at the beloved Villa Cathay Care Home. This was a particularly special occasion, as some of us already had a connection to the venue. Gloria had performed there before with the guqin and vocals, while Kaitlyn regularly serenaded the residents with her mesmerizing erhu playing, including for one of her own family members.

This time, Kaitlyn, Helena, and I took the stage to perform several beloved pieces for the intimate audience. It was truly a heartwarming experience, playing for an audience that included familiar faces. The sheer joy and appreciation on the residents’ faces made every note we played resonate with even deeper meaning. 

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But that was just the beginning of our whirlwind debut! Our second performance was on a Vancouver harbour cruise, where Yvonne, Helena, Silvia, and I treated the audience to our musical stylings. As the luxurious boat glided along the water, we marveled at the city’s stunning skyline, providing the perfect backdrop for our set. And just as we wrapped up our performance, the spectacular fireworks display began, capping off an unforgettable evening.

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the prospect of performing on a boat, worried that seasickness might get the better of me. But my fears were unfounded – we all had a wonderful time, completely immersed in the music and the breathtaking scenery. Although, I must say, the lineup to disembark at the end of the night did end up keeping us out until the wee hours!

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We’re incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received so far and the opportunity to share our unique sound with the community. Our debut performances have been such a joy and honour for all of us in Aliens Ensemble. The excitement we felt in those moments is hard to put into words – it was truly a special experience.

Looking ahead, we’re eager to continue performing and connecting with audiences in Vancouver. There’s still so much more music we’re excited to share. We hope you’ll keep an eye out for future opportunities to catch Aliens Ensemble live. We’d be delighted to have you join us.

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A Harmonious Celebration: Wild Canada’s Mother’s Day Luncheon

This year’s Mother’s Day weekend was made extra special by a heartfelt luncheon organized by Wild Canada, a private club in Metro Vancouver. For me at least, the event was a melodic tribute to mothers, capturing the essence of love through the universal language of music.

The theme for the luncheon was simple yet profound: to use music to show our love for mothers. I had the honour of performing, and my harp’s and guqin’s strings sang with themes of love, featuring both classical romantic pieces and enchanting Chinese love songs. The delicate melodies resonated deeply, creating an atmosphere of warmth and affection.

Adding to the day’s charm, David, a floral arrangement expert, conducted a live demonstration. His skillful hands transformed ordinary flowers into stunning works of art, symbolizing the beauty and grace of motherhood. The guests were captivated by his artistry, gaining new insights into the delicate balance of color, shape, and fragrance.

The culinary highlight of the luncheon was undoubtedly the sushi preparation demonstration by Chef Peter. His expertise in crafting exquisite sushi rolls was not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. The guests watched in awe as Peter’s deft fingers worked with precision, creating delicious and visually appealing sushi that everyone eagerly sampled.

As the harp music wove its enchanting spell, guests enjoyed the delectable food and shared in the joy of the day’s celebrations. Laughter and conversation filled the room, making it a truly memorable Mother’s Day.

Reflecting on the event, it’s clear that the combination of music, flowers, and gourmet food created an unforgettable experience. The guests, many mothers among them, left with happy hearts and fond memories, feeling cherished and appreciated. This year’s Mother’s Day luncheon was a beautiful reminder of the power of love and community, a celebration that will be remembered for years to come.

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Harmonies of Healing: A Special Easter Concert at Rotary Hospice House

Music’s power to soothe the soul and lift spirits is universally acknowledged, particularly in settings like palliative care where comfort is paramount. I have witnessed this profound impact firsthand during my visits to the Rotary Hospice House in Richmond, BC, where I perform calming music for patients. Using instruments like the piano, harp, and traditional Chinese guqin (古琴) and guzheng (古箏), I’ve seen how music can significantly brighten moods while alleviating pain and anxiety.

This Easter weekend, I wanted to enhance my regular visits by creating an extraordinary musical experience for both the patients and their caregivers. Joined by a group of talented musician friends — Silvia He, a talented cellist; Yvonne Tsang, my yangqin (揚琴) teacher; and Candy Xu, who brought her guqin and ukulele — we prepared a special concert that blended Western and Oriental musical traditions.

Our ensemble performed a series of solos and duets, featuring a diverse array of instruments including the piano, cello, ukulele, guqin, guzheng, and yangqin. The repertoire was carefully selected to cater to the varied tastes of our audience, ensuring each piece resonated with warmth and tranquility appropriate for the setting.

The ensemble from left to right: Silvia He, Gloria, Yvonne Tsang and Candy Xu

Silvia the talented cellist

Yvonne (yangqin) and I (guzheng) playing a duet

Candy performing the guqin

The experience was incredibly rewarding. Playing alongside my friends, using such a wide combination of musical styles and instruments, we felt confident that the patients enjoyed a brief moment of peace.

As en epilogue, recently I was deeply honored to receive a 10-year service award from the Rotary Hospice House. A cherished accolade no less, the true reward for me has always been the opportunity to bring a moment of serenity to those enduring difficult times. I continue to look forward to bringing the hospice patients relief, however momentarily, woven with the notes of compassion and care.

My 10-year volunteer service award presented by Jennifer Dufour.

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A Musical Winter Wonderland at the Point Grey Lions Club Christmas Party

During the 2023 Christmas holiday season, I had the unforgettable opportunity to blend my passions for music and community at the Christmas party organized by the Point Grey Lions Club. The evening was a celebration not just of the season, but of the remarkable talent and camaraderie that music brings into our lives.

The highlight for me was performing a piano and cello duet with my good friend and talented cellist, Sylvia He. As the video of a warmly burning fireplace flickered in the background, Sylvia and I played several time-honored classical pieces, including the enchanting strains of the Largo, Ave Maria, Canon in D and Ode To Joy. The combination of the crackling fire and the flowing melodies created a truly magical atmosphere that captivated everyone in the room.

My good friend and talented cellist, Sylvia He, playing her cello.

The event was packed with stellar performances, showcasing a variety of talents that ranged from singing and ballroom dancing to traditional Chinese dances. It was a proud moment for me as a teacher to see my students, Benedict and Juliana Yiu, take the stage with confidence for their violin duet. Additionally, my Vancouver Sowers Society of Education Senior Ukulele Ensemble group brought a unique blend of charm and joy to the evening, as they strummed their ukuleles and sang, spreading cheer among the audience.

 Benedict and Juliana Yiu performing a duet.

My VSSE Senior Ukulele Ensemble team

The night was full of surprises, and luckily for me, it included winning some delightful prizes—a big teddy bear and a pair of elegant earrings in the raffle draw. These were the cherries on top of a perfect evening spent among friends, family, and music lovers.

My prize moose

 

Reflecting on the night, it was more than a party; it was a showcase of the bonds we build through music and the joy it brings to our lives, making this Christmas one to remember. As we head into the new year, I am more inspired than ever to keep sharing the gift of music with all who wish to learn.

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Vancouver Sunshine Lions Club 2023 fundraising gala performance

I had the privilege of being a featured performer at the Vancouver Sunshine Lions Club’s fundraising gala in October 2023. This marked their 8th installation and fundraising event, drawing a crowd of over 300 enthusiastic guests and supporters.

During my performance, I had the opportunity to showcase two traditional Chinese pieces, namely “鱼舟晚唱” and “纺织忙”, played on the guzheng. The musical experience was heightened by a captivating background slideshow that tastefully complemented the melodic renditions.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Vancouver Sunshine Lions Club for their outstanding achievement in raising $10,000 during the event. These funds will be allocated as grants to support community charities and provide scholarships for local students. It was truly an inspiring evening, and I am grateful to have been part of such a meaningful and impactful occasion.