On the afternoon of November 9, 2023, beautiful melodies echoed through the outpatient hall of PUMCH as the “Classical Music Performance for PUMCH” unveiled. Three musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra and four white-clad musicians from the “PUMCH Charm” Medical Youth Musical Group performed six musical pieces, paying tribute to healthcare workers and helping heal patients with music. The concert was well-received among the audience.

Music as Bridge, Forging Friendship

Founded in 1900, the Philadelphia Orchestra has gained worldwide acclaim for its century-long history and exceptional performances, ranking among the top ten contemporary symphony orchestras in the world. In 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra made its way to China, setting the precedent for US symphony orchestras to perform in China and opening a new chapter for deepening understanding and fostering friendship between people of the two countries. Since then, the musical exchange and interaction between the two countries have become increasingly frequent, writing more touching stories of music across the ocean.

▲The first concert of the Philadelphia Orchestra in China in 1973

Mr. Philip Kates, the violinist of the Philadelphia Orchestra, holds deep affection for China and PUMCH in particular. He volunteered to perform at the hospital on five occasions from 2012 to 2019, bringing the beauty of music to patients. He was seen performing passionately in many parts of the hospital on different occasions, including the corridor of the old hospital building, the terrace of the 11th floorbuilding, the pediatric wards, the ENT wards, the endocrinology wards, and the outpatient hall.

Thanks to the liaison and facilitation of Philip Kates, the Philadelphia Orchestra assigned a special delegation of three musicians for the charity voluntary performance at PUMCH during their tour in China this year. The performers included Davyd Booth, a musician who joined the 1973 China tour, and John Koen, a cellist who performed at the hospital in 2014.

▲PUMCH Vice President Du Bin granted certificates of appreciation to the three performers of the Philadelphia Orchestra. From left to right: John Koen, Davyd Booth, Philip Kates, and Du Bin

▲Group picture of PUMCH representatives with musicians and Matias Tarnopolsky (third from right), President/CEO at Philadelphia Orchestra, and Ryan Fleur (fourth from right), Executive Director at Philadelphia Orchestra

Music as Healing Medicine, Soothing the Soul

The performers’ captivating performances touched the hearts of the audience. The “PUMCH Charm” ensemble presented a beautiful rendition of the Chinese musical piece “The Butterfly Lovers” with traditional Chinese musical instruments such as the erhu, the flute, and the guzheng, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese music. The three musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra formed a classic trio of piano, violin, and cello, each delivering their best pieces “saved for encore”. Davyd Booth, originally a violinist, played the piano with the ease and fluidity like the movement of clouds and flow of water; violinist Philip Kates presented “Reverie”, a piece he composed himself. In honor of the conductor Eugene Ormandy, who brought the Philadelphia Orchestra to China 50 years ago, the concert featured a performance of the violin masterpiece “Souvenir”, previously played and recorded by Eugene Ormandy himself.

With the skillful play of the musicians, the listeners were immersed in the sophistication of Bach, the dynamic contrast of Chopin, and the romantic traits of Mendelssohn. Patients expressed their delightful surprise of “hearing such refined and sophisticated classical music at PUMCH”, marveled at “the masterful performances”, and thanked “PUMCH for bringing artists close to us, whose performances alleviated our fatigue and anxiety and instilled vitality and hope in us”.

The day before, the pediatric ward saw the voluntary performance of Mr. Philip Kates and his 11-year-old violinist friend, Liu Chenhao. The young patients gathered around the performers, with the youngest child being held in the arms of the head nurse. Lively and exuberant dance tunes lit up children’s faces. Philip invited the children to pluck the strings of his violin, engaging them in playful interaction. One young patient even started spinning around Philip Kates. In this brief yet precious 20-minute performance, the children forgot about the wristbands on their hands and the hospital gowns they wore, indulging themselves in the limitless possibilities awaiting them.

▲Voluntary performance at the pediatric ward on November 8

PUMCH has never overlooked the importance of adding a human touch to medical care as doctors need to take care of both patients’ physical and psychological well-being. Many PUMCHers are talented music enthusiasts, and they often perform for patients in the outpatient department and wards. Many patient organizations led by medical professionals incorporate music therapy into their health nurturing activities. While medical care heals the body, art heals the soul. The enchanting music captivated many patients and lingered in their hearts and minds, inspiring their yearning for other such feasts for their ears at PUMCH.

Written by Fu Tanpin and Chen Xiao

Translated by Liu Haiyan

Reviewed by Wang Yao