Warmth and power in Shenzhen ear care concert

Video by Lin Songtao

Shenzhen audience members enjoyed a concert filled with warmth, power, and hope at Shenzhen Grand Theater on Sunday night to mark China's 25th National Ear Care Day. Hosted by the Shenzhen Disabled Persons Federation, the annual concert aimed to raise awareness for ear care.

Mezzo-soprano Li Ying, a Shenzhen Vitalization Symphony Development Foundation artist, sings “Hourglass' Whispers” with a student choir from Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School at the Shenzhen Disabled Persons Federation's ear care concert at Shenzhen Grand Theater on Sunday. The performance was accompanied by Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, with Zhang Guoyong wielding the baton. Lin Songtao

During the concert, Dong Xiu, Party chief and chairwoman of the federation, said: “This year's National Ear Care Day's theme is 'Technology assists hearing; sharing a better life.' Shenzhen is working toward becoming a high-level barrier-free city. We hope more enterprises and organizations can contribute to supporting the disabled, particularly the hearing impaired. I also anticipate local companies leveraging their innovative strength to develop more cutting-edge hearing assistive products and services.”

Ma Weihua, chairman of Shenzhen Vitalization Symphony Development Foundation, highlighted the significance of the concert in promoting awareness for ear care. “The concert not only delights our ears with beautiful music, but also nourishes our souls through its charitable mission. It serves as a platform to raise awareness for the disabled and educate the public about the importance of proper auditory care, exemplifying our foundation's dedication to philanthropy,” he said.

With Shenzhen Satellite TV anchorman Wu Qingjie, Shenzhen Experimental School’s primary school student Tan Sufeng, and sign language translator Chen Mingxing as the emcees, the concert featured a blend of classical Western music and beloved Chinese tunes, such as “Jasmine,” “La Vie en Rose,” “Salut d'amour,” and “Waltz of the Flowers,” as well as two new songs.

“Please Don't Go,” a new song created by Shao Jingyi, a Shenzhen Middle School student, was sung by students Lai Yiting and Huang Yinyue at the concert. It serves as a moving tribute to children with autism, advocating for increased compassion and support from society.

Shao said that her inspiration for the song stemmed from her year-long volunteer work with the Shenzhen Disabled Persons Federation, where she had the chance to meet many children with autism. “I wrote this song as a heartfelt dedication to these adorable angels, hoping to spread love and foster understanding through the power of music.”

Another new song, “Hourglass' Whispers,” was sung by mezzo-soprano Li Ying and a student choir from Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School at the concert.

Li, a Shenzhen Vitalization Symphony Development Foundation artist, shared her experience of singing the song at the concert. She expressed her deep connection with the audience, feeling the exchange of souls and drawing strength from the orchestra, the conductor, and the choir behind her.

“The lyrics are deeply heartfelt, portraying beautiful things and conveying love for the world. This sentiment aligns seamlessly with the concert, with its theme on ear care. I believe that adds significant value to the event,” said Li Xinghan, a Grade 8 student and a member of the choir.

The “Hourglass' Whispers” lyrics were penned by Zhou Sijia during the Ninth Golden Snail Lyrics Contest last year. The song project was a collaboration among Shenzhen Vitalization Symphony Development Foundation, Shenzhen Charity Federation • Disabled Public Welfare Special Fund, Hua Chang Original Music Foundation and Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School. The school sponsored the song creation, covering the costs of composition, recording, and others.

“Many original and meaningful songs often struggle to be released due to financial constraints. I found ‘Hourglass' Whispers' carries significant meaning, particularly in the context of National Ear Care Day and as part of the Shenzhen Disabled Persons Federation's concert. Our teachers and students feel honored to have the opportunity to perform the song,” Lee Pui-ah, the school director, said.

The concert was conducted by Zhang Guoyong for the orchestra and Luo Shenka for the chorus, with some pieces performed by the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SZSO), Shenzhen Vitalization Symphony Development Foundation's choir, SZSO violinist Wu Qian, and student Zhang Jiakai from Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School.

In addition, Fang Jinghang, a 10-year-old visually impaired boy, played Clementi's “Piano Sonatinas, Op. 36, No. 3,” and Li Hengchang, a student with autism who graduated from the middle school affiliated with Xinghai Conservatory of Music, played the piano piece “Defend the Yellow River.” Their remarkable renditions showcased their persistence in studies, passion for life and hopes for a better future.

“Love permeated the entire concert,” Nie Bing, chairman of SZSO's art council, said. “For many special children, music opens a window or a door for them, enriching their lives. We should provide more performance opportunities for them, letting them feel that the world is warm and full of love.”