Afternoon Melodies and Games - 8/24/2025 Performance and Game Hosting

Authored by Rien Chen

Featuring (from left to right) Shiang Hwu, Jeremy Wang, Rien Chen, Elena Chen, Hope Wang, Chloe Wong, Cielle Chan

We started today's show with Cielle Chan singing the Top of the World by The Carpenters, followed by Alleluja by Mozart. As usual, her graceful voice did not fail to captivate everyone present, setting the perfect atmosphere for the upcoming performances.

Next up was Hope Wang, age six, the youngest member of our organization to date. She began piano at the age of three and has already won numerous international awards! She played Humoresque by Rodion Shcherdin followed by Mazurka by Chopin on the piano, performed the pieces well and with spirit, despite her young age. Truly the talent of the next generation! She even wore a special clown outfit when playing Humoresque, which combined with the playful nature of the piece, garnered smiles from many of the seniors.

Chloe Wong then took the stage with her commendable cello skills, playing Over the Rainbow by Harold Arden. Listening to the classic tune so beautifully rendered on a novel instrument was a great experience for all.

Afterwards, Elena Chen played Fantasie-Impromptu on the piano, a fast and graceful piece which would not have been possible to play well without her nimble fingers and excellent talent.

Following Elena's impressive playing was Cello Sonata in B op. 43 by Romberg played by Jeremy Wang, this was his first time joining us and playing for seniors, showcasing his impressive skills on his stringed instrument.

For our second-last performance, Shiang Hwu, our host today, was back on the flute, and his rendition of Concertino by Chaminade, filled with expression and smooth notes, echoed around the senior center.

Finally, I played Heroic Polonaise by Chopin, on the piano. Unlike many of Chopin's other works, this piece is surprisingly powerful, while also keeping many flowing passages in his usual style. Based on the voluminous applause after my performance, I think it's safe to say I did a decent job of expressing this unique and emotional composition. :)

We all took a bow after the performances had concluded and thanked the kind seniors who personally came up to us to give appreciation to our playing — and now, it was time for our game hosting session!

Today, we enjoyed a game of bingo with the seniors downstairs, playing until blackout. All the seniors were very warm and spirited, spreading to us some of their joy. Once we determined a winner, we wrapped up and headed back upstairs, concluding today's event. Another wonderful experience!

Performers: Cielle Chan, Elena Chen, Rien Chen, Shiang Hwu, Hope Wang, Jeremy Wang, Chloe Wong

Game Hosts: Elena Chen, Rien Chen, Shiang Hwu, Chloe Li, Chloe Wong