18 May 2018
Young cancer patients and their mothers were treated to a musical journey and art experience, jointly organised by British Airways, Tang Tee Khoon Grand Series, the Red Pencil and LOVE, NILS, for the very first time.
Held at the Keppel Centre for Art Education at National Gallery Singapore, musicians from the TTK Grand Series took participants through the poetic world of Johannes Brahms’ Clarinet Quintet, providing listeners a range of expressive themes that evoke a sense of introspection and reverie. The participants were then encouraged to externalize their musical imagination into their own artworks based on the unique melodies of the different musical instruments, comprising of the clarinet, first violin, second violin, viola and cello.
“I can only imagine how much lighter in weight the children and their mothers feel, from just one hour of music and art,” said Tang Tee Khoon, a violinist. “I’d like to thank everyone who made our event possible for these children and their mothers. I do hope this is the start of what could be possible in the future. Creating magical experiences where we can allow those going through difficulties to forget about their hardships and just enjoy the beauty the world can provide.”
The Red Pencil coordinated the presence of an art therapist and art therapy student interns from the LASALLE College of the Arts Management Associate programme to facilitate the art exercise. A range of materials from feathers, buttons, ribbons and more, were provided to allow room for creativity and expression.
Founder of Art For Good Amanda Chen, who works with Red Pencil, said: “Arts therapy (Visual Art, Music & Dance) is scientifically proven to have a positive impact on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. The combination of two of these elements, visual-art making and music, will evoke emotions through sensory means, making a unique and special experience for the participants! Thank you Tee Khoon, British Airways and the Red Pencil for giving me the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful event.”
Amanda Chen