Orchestra performs for hospital patients

Malay Mail: Patients of the Pain and Palliative Care Unit of Hospital Selayang were treated to a “free concert” at their wards yesterday by members of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO).
Yuko Kawami (first violin), Tan Poh Kim (second violin), Daniel Trgina (viola), Larentiu Gherman (cello) and Naohisa Furusawa (double bass) performed solo pieces as well as a quintet, offering diverse pieces, including Mozart’s famous Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer and an exquisite Japanese tune, Yagibushi, arranged by Kohmatsu.
The patients – ranging from 17-month-old Yoasheeni Keeran to 83-year-old Chong Foo – found themselves tapping their feet, and clapping along to the music. They rewarded the musicians with warm applause when it was over.
“I have never seen anything like this before,” said a patient, Zaleha Dol Khamis, 43.
“They were amazing, and they helped me forget the pain. I will definitely remember and cherish this moment forever.”
Another patient, David Joseph, 45, said: “They were marvellous – the way they played and produced these beautiful sounds. And we got a free concert while recovering – what a treat!”
Bedridden Yaw Kam Seng managed to enjoy himself tremendously, despite his condition. “This is the second time that I have heard them play, and I just love it. They have given me something priceless for which I will always be grateful for,” he said.
Unit head Dr Mary Suma Cardossa said: “This is the second visit that the MPO has paid us, and I am pleased to say that this trip is just as well received as the last.
“Our unit helps patients who have incurable diseases, specifically, cancer patients. Most of these patients have recovered, and we help them deal with the recovery and the pain.
“The music we heard here today (yesterday) certainly helped them in that respect, and it is thrilling to see the patients so happy thanks to the music.”
The musicians later went around the wards to visit the patients, who thanked them for bringing that extra bit of colour into their lives.