Exhibition
Walking MELODIES
Aug 24 - Aug 25
Written records preserve history, wisdom, and experience, passing them down to future generations.
Language allows us to understand where we come from through communication, while music possesses a unique charm, reaching into our souls with its melodies and rhythms. The melody’s rise and fall can evoke our most sincere emotions. Just as a kind word can inspire, a familiar melody can resonate deeply within us through the years.
Music is like a time machine! When a melody begins to play, it transcends time and space. Whether it’s the laughter of childhood, the beauty of youth, or the happiness of family, all these memories resurface through the music. A familiar melody also provides comfort to the soul. Music has the power to heal and can help us reconnect with others.
What incredible power can music bring when someone needs help? We invite you to explore this together with Tom Su in person!
About Tom Su
Tom immigrated to Canada from Taiwan in 2003 and is currently a violinist of West Coast Symphony and Harmonia String Ensemble in Vancouver. Inspired by the infectious power of music, he oftenponders the question: “Does the audience need to go to the concert hall to enjoy performances?”
A few years ago, he became a volunteer at Burnaby Hospital. He comforts family members and patients with “moving melodies” accompanied by violin. His repertoire is chosen with care, such as songs from the 1940s to the 1970s for nursing home patients, Disney cartoon songs to cheer up children in the Montreal Children’s Hospice, and relevant music in mourning for the victims of Indian Residential Schools. Through these music performances, Tom used the magical power of music to inspire people’s physical and mental healing, and at the same time uplift people’s inner strength and potential for growth.
1. Kid Park
During a trip to Montreal in 2021, I had the privilege of visiting a children’s hospice. Recognizing the joy music brings, I selected familiar tunes from beloved Disney classics and other favourites to share with the children. However, I also understood that not all the kids could make it to the activity room, so I made sure to bring the music directly to their bedside, where they could enjoy it in the comfort of their rooms. Unfortunately, due to the distance, I’m unable to return to Montreal to continue playing music for them in person. However, determined to keep the connection alive, I explored alternative methods to share music with the children. I utilized platforms like Zoom to connect with them during special occasions like birthday parties, where we could sing and celebrate together virtually. Additionally, I created pre-recorded music videos tailored to specific children, ensuring that each one received a personalized musical experience despite the physical distance. Though I may not be there in person, my commitment to bringing smiles and comfort to these children through music remains unwavering.
A melody from "Frozen" fills the Children's Hospice with joy, lifting their hearts.
2. Wedding
In the quiet corner of the dementia unit, an elderly woman, around 80 years old, sat unnoticed, lost in her own world. It was a day like any other, and I had brought my playlist of 15 songs to share with the residents. As the familiar notes of “What a Wonderful World” filled the room, something magical happened. The woman slowly stood up, her eyes brightening with recognition, and made her way to a gentleman who sat alone, absorbed in the pages of a newspaper. With trembling hands, she reached out to him, and they began to dance, the melody wrapping around them like a warm embrace. Doctors and nurses watched in awe as the couple twirled and swayed, their love transcending the fog of dementia. As the last notes faded away, the gentleman approached me, tears glistening in his eyes. “Thank you, Tom,” he whispered hoarsely. “That was our song, the one we danced to at our wedding 60 years ago. I never thought she would remember the melody, and I even doubted if she recognized me as her husband… I’m overwhelmed.” In that moment, amidst the bittersweet melody of memory and love, I witnessed the power of music to touch the soul and bring light to the darkest corners of the mind.
3. Alps
I am involved in a special experimental project with a geriatric psychiatrist at a local hospital. Together, we’re exploring the therapeutic potential of music for patients in the dementia unit. As part of this project, I have the opportunity to interview patients or their family members to uncover songs or singers that hold special meaning for them. One memorable encounter occurred with a German lady who was visibly agitated during mealtime. Sensing her distress, I asked her about her favourite music. She mentioned German children’s music, albeit unable to recall specific names. Intrigued, I inquired further, and she explained that she enjoyed the fast-paced, cheerful melodies. Recognizing the potential to uplift her spirits, I returned to the office and delved into the archives of German children’s music from the 1940s and 1950s. After curating a playlist filled with upbeat tunes, I shared the music with her through a headset. To my delight, her demeanour transformed as soon as the music began to play. With a newfound sense of joy, she started to sing along, fully immersed in the familiar melodies of her youth. It was a powerful reminder of the profound impact music can have on individuals, even in the midst of dementia.
4. City Boy
Ricky (pseudonym) was admitted to the hospital’s mental health unit after being found on a bridge attempting suicide at the age of 21. Rescued by a passerby, he was diagnosed with severe depression. During his treatment, I discovered his ability in playing the piano. In response, I brought my violin to collaborate with him, performing pieces ranging from John Lennon’s “Imagine” to Pachelbel’s “Canon”. Six weeks after our musical collaboration, he confided in me that he now saw life as much more beautiful than he had ever imagined.
5. Xmas
As pandemic restrictions began to ease, I organized an outdoor music session for the seniors at a local senior home, a place I’ve been visiting regularly since 2019. Knowing their fondness for tunes from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, I carefully selected familiar songs for our gathering. It was heartwarming to see them join in, singing along with me as memories of days gone by filled the air. During the holiday season, I made it a point to bring joy to every corner of the facility. For those unable to leave their beds, I walked down the aisles, bringing the joy of music directly to them. It was a small gesture, but I could see the smiles on their faces and feel the warmth in their hearts as they embraced the spirit of Christmas through song.
6. Jiu Fen
Mr. Chen (pseudonym) migrated to Canada from a small town in China. One month after moving here, he was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. He was deeply saddened that he and his daughter had worked so hard to immigrate to Canada for a better life. However, despite all their efforts, he found himself facing a terminal illness that shattered his dream. I comforted him and assured him that he was now in a much better medical system to treat his illness, with fresher air and water. Knowing that I was from Taiwan and a violinist, he mentioned how some Taiwanese folk songs are amazing. Therefore, I brought my violin and took him to a nearby patio to enjoy the sunshine and melodies.
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TAIWANfest Toronto is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples, that is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered here, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples of this land while we engage in meaningful conversations of culture and reconciliation.