The Sound of Reflection -- 9/14/2025 Carlsbad Performance

Authored by Chloe Li

This Sunday we brought The Sound of Reflection to the residents at a senior home in Carlsbad.

The room was calm, the ocean was whispering outside, and everyone listened so closely that our softest notes actually mattered. Each performer gave a quick intro to their piece right before playing, which the audience really appreciated.

To begin, Claire played Frédéric Chopin’s Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2, opening with a velvet tone and poised rubato, floating like a candlelit conversation. She also presented a drawing she created that was inspired by her piece, earning a warm applause.

Helen followed with the fourth movement of Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor. Her smooth phrasing and lyrical control earned many nods from string lovers.

After, Grace offered He Zhanhao’s The Eternal Sorrow of Lin’an, shaping the elegiac line with singing slides and delicate ornaments so the guzheng’s shimmer felt tender yet dignified. As usual, many of the seniors were fascinated and impressed by her quick notes. Before we started, several residents gathered to ask about the instrument’s history and tuning, even snapping photos with Grace. After the performance, they said they were amazed by how sophisticated it is at conveying strong, complex emotions - something Grace’s playing made easy to feel.

Next, I played the first movement of Robert Schumann’s Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17. This work is one of Schumann’s most passionate pieces and I thoroughly enjoyed playing the melodic lines.

Cielle Chan moved from Stölzel’s “Bist du bei mir” to ABBA’s “Thank You for the Music,” clear diction and warm presence turning serenity into a grateful, toe-tapping smile.

Rien Chen closed the show with Chopin’s Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53 (“Heroic”), bold yet polished octaves sending the room to its feet for a well-earned ovation.

Featuring (from left to right) Chloe Li, Grace Ma, Rien Chen, Claire Gao, Helen Wang, Cielle Chan

Gratitude to the Carlsbad By The Sea staff for their gracious hospitality; to families and friends for their unwavering support. May the echoes of this afternoon - Chopin’s sighs, Elgar’s laments, guzheng fireworks, Schumann’s dreams, a Baroque prayer, and a pop-song smile - carry us all a little lighter into the week. Until the next concert, thank you for the music.

Performers: Chloe Li, Grace Ma, Rien Chen, Claire Gao, Helen Wang, Cielle Chan

Guest Performer: Claire Gao