~by Chloe Cao

Last week, I attended a special concert for charity, called “Music In The Dark”. It was a very unique experience for me that really broadened my view, and helped me further develop empathy towards visually impaired people, especially musicians. The concert fully immersed performers and audience members into a pitch black environment, where we could really experience life of a blind person each day.

At first, I was slightly nervous for the concert, even though I was mentally prepared for the darkness awaiting me. Ms Diane started helping me prepare for this event weeks before, where I would first practice with eye masks on, before eventually playing with the piano accompaniment in a completely dark room. Now that I think of it, it was immensely fascinating, how we worked out all the cueing and communication needed in the piece, while we couldn’t see each other.

Back to the performance. Starting from when we were backstage, staff members had us put on eye masks, and split the performers into groups of five. Every group had to hold on to a rope, and was guided into another room, the performing studio, by a visually impaired volunteer. Everyone was rather terrified of walking without being able to see, in a place we’ve never been before. Eventually, after a lot of fussing around, everyone (audience and performers alike) successfully ended up in the performing room.

Overall, I think the concert was very interesting and enjoyable, and just not being able to see actually helped us focus more on playing, listening, and enjoying the music. I was quite satisfied with my playing of Ave Maria, and relieved that all the signals Ms Sonomi and I came up with worked out in the end. There was also a guest performer who was a blind violinist, and I really enjoyed hearing her play and talk about her musical journey. 

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who participated in this one-of-a-kind performance, and making it truly memorable. Ms Diane, for picking, teaching me, and helping me polish this amazing piece, which really is meant for this performance, due to its slow tempo and expressive style. Ms Sonomi, for spending so much time and effort memorizing the whole piece and working out how to collaborate with me most successfully in the dark. Ms Marie Ann, for helping set up the Large Room so that it was pitch black (taping the doors, using curtains and carpets) for us to practice in. And my family, for coming to the concert and supporting me along the way.