April 10 2024

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.