Orchestra bridges social distance with fans via online shows

Virus recognizes no border, neither does music. Yet, while the former is divisive, the latter unites.

Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra knows all too well the power of music, and launched a series of virtual concerts which have been broadcast every Friday on Ximalaya, a major online audio platform in China, since Feb 14.

The shows were among the first online concerts of their kind held following the outbreak of the virus, and its main aim was to pay tribute and express gratitude to the Chinese health workers for their contribution in the fight against COVID-19.

The initial concert garnered around 200,000 listeners within 18 hours.

"Music can be a weapon used to combat the pandemic, and it shows support to medical workers－our heroes," says Lin Daye, music director and chief conductor of the orchestra.

The online concerts are selected from previously recorded shows and the audience can listen to or watch them on the platform.

"By inspiring people, music brings us courage and inner peace," says Lin, who gave a heartfelt poetry reading during the online concert broadcast on Feb 19, in which the orchestra played Beethoven's Symphony No 3－Eroica, which resonated with listeners.