As humans, we’re intrinsically connected to and affected by rhythmical beats. The very first sound we hear as babies is a rhythm, the beat of our mother’s heart. So, it’s no surprise that it’s acknowledged by medicine to have recuperative and therapeutic effects. 

 

“There’s a very strong association between music and health,” explains Professor Hong Fung, Executive Director and CEO of the CUHK Medical Centre, and Professor of Practice in the Health Services Management at the Jockey Club School of Public Health & Primary Care. “Certain music has the ability to reduce pain, anxiety, and help curb depression. Rhythm, in particular, not only has a positive mental effect but a physical effect as well. It involves coordination, and that sort of exercise can also help people with problems in their mobility.” 

 

And Dr Fung should know. Outside of office hours, he’s Chairman of the Board of the fifty-year-old Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO). A musician in his own right, playing the technically challenging two-string erhu violin, he’s passionate about how engaging and educating the public through music is good for the soul and beneficial to the community. 

 

A few years ago, the HKCO created an outreach programme to support care in the community, specifically targeting carers who look after others, using music therapy as a relief to the pressures of their duties. 

 

Designed to be simple and enjoyable, the programme was designed to be accessible to all, as Dr Fung explains, “The first thing in the course is percussion, because it’s the easiest thing for people to pick up, and it’s great for expressing emotion.” 

 

Now in 2023, working in partnership with Chinachem, this initiative to engage the public broadened and the CCG drum challenge was born. Across all 18 districts of Hong Kong, Chinachem and the HKCO invited individuals of all ages and abilities to participate in training sessions, with elite musicians from the Orchestra. This eight-month programme culminated in a series of performances, in Central Market, NINA MALL, and finally in October at the West Kowloon Cultural District Art Park. 

 

This beautiful sun-drenched afternoon, featuring multiple virtuosi drum performances woven into an orchestral concert led by HKCO’s Artist Director and Principal Conductor for Life ,Yan Huichang. The afternoon ended in spectacular style, with the 20,000 strong audience playing along with their rattling Bolan Gu, every one connecting the community through the drum.