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The “Harmonious Passage” Charity Fundraising Concert organised by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s United College in collaboration with the local youth orchestra “In-heritage Philharmonic” and its educational arm In-heritage Artistic Cultural Education Development was held last night (23 September) at Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall. The event received generous support from the community, as well as staff, students and alumni, to raise funds for the college’s students mental health services.

The concert also celebrated the 75^th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 27^th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Dr Ko Wing-man, GBS, JP, a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Executive Council member of the Hong Kong government, and Ms Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the Hong Kong government, attended as officiating guests, adding much prestige to the event. At the opening ceremony, Ms Lina Yan Hau-yee, Chairman of the United College Board of Trustees, Vice-Chairman Mr Simon Lee Kwok-chung and Professor Stephen Wong Heung-sang, Head of United College, welcomed the guests on behalf of the College.

The concert was conducted by Mr Fan Ding, Artistic Director of In-heritage Philharmonic. Guest performers included the “Prince of Folk Songs” Mr Albert Au, popular singer Mr Tam Fai-chi from TV singing competition “Midlife, Sing & Shine! 2” and Dr Michael Chan, Vice-Chairman of the In-heritage Philharmonic Board of Governors, who played the cello. Additionally, the “Elite Quartet”, composed of Legislative Council member and pipa expert Mr Lo Wai-kwok, CUHK Medical Centre CEO Dr Fung Hong, who is passionate about the erhu, Dr Wong Kwok-tin, skilled in the gaohu, and Dr Chen Zijin, Executive Director of the Center for Chinese Music Research, Department of Music, CUHK, proficient in the dizi and xiao, performed “Autumn Moon Over the Calm Lake” with the orchestra, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Besides, the concert also featured performances by internationally acclaimed guzheng player Dr Zou Lunlun; young violinist Miss Cho Wing-tsun; the “Medipella”, composed of nine specialist doctors; the CUHK United College Choir, formed by students and alumni; Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School Choir, along with several other groups. Distinguished individuals from the society came together to use music and singing to touch hearts, convey love and hope, and raise awareness for mental health.

The funds raised from the concert will primarily be used to provide CUHK students with knowledge of mental health, and skills for emotional and mental health first aid. United College continues to enhance students’ awareness and understanding of mental health through various activities and workshops, encouraging them to seek help when needed, and ultimately creating a mentally healthy learning environment. Each year, through open recruitment and selection, enthusiastic students are trained as peer care ambassadors, receiving counselling skills and mental health first aid training, and organising activities to promote wellness on campus and in the community, benefiting young people.