Last Saturday night, I was invited by a student's parent, Ay-Laung (Ellen) Wang, to her musical performance. To be honest, I had initially said sure because I had inferred that they would be free...and they were. You see, as much as I appreciate people for their varying talents and the infinite value these talents hold, I'm just not that musical to pay to attend a performance as part of my everyday leisurely activities. To further my saying yes initially is the fact that P wanted to go and he is much more musically inclined. Unfortunately, he had to work so I invited my colleague-friend A to come along with me as well as our other colleague G and his girlfriend.
To both A (she was also reluctant to gurantee that she won't be bored initially) and my surprise, the performance was excellent! The performance was sponsored by Trinity Western University as well as Chan Centre; the choir was from Trinity Western University (TWU Choirs). Our student's mom was the artistic director, conductor, and the organist. As we watched her guide the choir, pianists, etc. we truly saw her glow with charisma and poise. We were brought to experience the world in 90 minutes, listening, watching, and feeling pieces influenced by Spain, Italy, Taiwan, etc. in their respective languages. I was amazed how clear and accurate the male choir members were able to sing the Taiwanese song in their male ensemble as well as the choir's integrated facial expressions and actions involved in one of their final songs "The Argument" (a very witty piece by Francis J. Nesta may I say). I was continuously impressed by the variety of instruments involved to produce the works of art including bamboo sticks and a trio for piano, harpsichord and organ (king of instruments...amazing).
All this would've cost the typical attendee $18 per ticket but I truly felt that I would've paid near $50 if I had known how impressive it would be. I believe they're just as good as any well-known choirs and orchestras that are selling their tickets for a lot more but does that mean their talent is truly worth less? The entire night, I admired the talent of this mom I happen to know and wondered if my own humble talent of teaching is "worth" just as much. I began doubting myself!
On a last note...I really wished I had brought my camera to take pictures of the superb performance but I really didn't know we were allowed! The following is the best I found online: Spring at the Chan. The link above to Ellen's biography has some more videos and pictures too.
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