Date & Time: February 1, 2025, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Venue: The Beechwood Retirement Living, 1500 Rathburn Rd, Mississauga
Organizer: Mississauga Arts Council (MAC), SAMS (Senior Arts and Music Series)
Organizer Contact: Linda Keen (Tel. 416-356-8697, Email: linda@entertainmentunlimited.ca)
Audience: 24 people (4 staff members, 20 senior residents, 3 visitors)
Choir Participants: 15

As the snow heralds a prosperous year, we joyfully welcomed the Year of the Dragon! The NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir was honored to be invited by the Mississauga Arts Council to participate in the government-funded Senior Arts and Music Series, bringing warmth and festive cheer to senior residents through music. This was the choir’s third and final performance in its Chinese New Year Charity Concert Series, making it an especially meaningful event.

Music Warms the Winter, Songs Deliver Blessings

The performance was meticulously coordinated by Zhu Juan, who also led multiple solo and choral performances, marking a perfect conclusion to this season’s Christmas and New Year charity concerts. Jennifer and Lily hosted the event, engaging the audience with enthusiasm and warmth.

The choir’s three outstanding male vocalists, Jason, Henry, and Gordon, delivered heartfelt renditions of familiar English classics through solo and duet performances, some even accompanied by their own instrumental playing. Yu showcased her versatility with singing, dancing, and violin performances, adding vibrancy to the event.

To enhance the New Year atmosphere, Ningjing and Lin Tong presented traditional Chinese performances, including a kung fu fan dance and a handkerchief dance, which captivated the audience. Grace’s elegant and graceful dance performance was, as always, a highlight. The choir’s lively Chinese and English choral performances, complete with movement and energy, brought the concert to its climax, filling the room with joy.

Dedication and Team Spirit Shine Bright

This performance was a true testament to the choir’s unity and commitment. Gordon, despite being unwell, worked tirelessly to prepare the accompaniment music and even brought his wife to film and photograph the event. Yi Xin sacrificed a pre-planned dinner to participate. Yulin also stepped in to join the choir’s group singing, showing great dedication.

Special mention goes to Ning Jing，Lin Tong, who participated in all seven Christmas and New Year performances this season, consistently impressing the audience with their kung fu fan, tai chi sword, and martial arts performances. Jason thoughtfully brought the choir’s banner for a group photo, marking a perfect ending to this special series of performances.

Through collective effort and perseverance, the choir delivered a high-quality show, receiving praise from Mississauga Arts Council project manager Linda and the senior residents. Linda expressed her appreciation and noted that the council would love to invite the choir for future performances. This event not only enhanced the choir’s reputation but, more importantly, spread warmth and love to the senior community.

A heartfelt thank you to all the performers and behind-the-scenes contributors!

Performance Team

• Overall Coordination: Zhu Juan

• Planning Team: Li Xiaodong, Zhang Yixin, Ningjing

• Accompaniment Support: Gordon

• Photography & Videography: Grace, Li Ling

• Program Design: Xiao Chenjing

• Program Translation: Qu Jingzhong

• Program Production: Zhang Yixin

• On-Site Coordination: Ningjing, Zhu Juan

• Hosts: Jennifer, Lily

• Sound & Accompaniment: Gordon

Performers: Zhu Juan, Jason, Henry, Gordon, Yu, Yulin, Jennifer, Lily, Yaya, Zhang Yixin, Ningjing, Lin Tong, Grace, Qi Yuesheng, Li Ling

Special Thanks to: Mississauga Arts Council (MAC) for their support and invitation

The NeoVoce Philharmonic Choir will continue to share music and art, bringing warmth and love to those in need!