Not Even a Delayed T Can Stop Carnation Art Troupe's Big Mid-Autumn Concert
- Wenqi Cao
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
The old cliché “the show must go on” was an appropriate one for the Morton Senior Center in Malden on Aug. 18. That day, the Carnation Art Troupe was set to hold an elaborate mid-autumn festival show of dance, martial arts and song. But there was a big problem: The Orange Line was delayed.
Some members of the troupe rushed to catch an Uber. Others detoured to North Station and took a shuttle bus. Others couldn’t make it at all. Nevertheless, the show, as they say, went on. Carnation Art Troupe put on a lively presentation that included choral singing, solo singing, dance, tai chi, yoga and dance.
Before and after the performances, the performers came and went between the stage and the dressing room, walking lightly and showing no signs of their age – most are in their 60s and 70s. Mary, a regular at the senior center, said, “These elderly people come to participate in activities every day just like clock in for work.”
A Growing Community
Led by director “Ms. Yang” (Agnes Young) for the past two years, the art troupe was founded 14 years ago. It now has more than 80 members, up from over 60 in the early days.
“After the pandemic, everyone is more willing to come out and gather,” said Ms. Yang.
The art troupe has multiple groups under it, including dance, chorus, tai chi and harmonica. Members can freely combine according to their interests for performances.
Ms. Yang, who lives in Winchester, drives to the center five mornings a week to teach tai chi fan and tai chi sword courses. In addition to the mid-autumn festival performance, the art troupe holds a large-scale event each year at Christmas and the Chinese New Year, with the New Year event often attended by guests such as the mayor and governor. On Aug. 29, the art troupe will also participate in a “Dreaming Dance Exhibition” specially held for middle-aged and elderly dance enthusiasts.
A Professional Standard
Conductor Lei Zhang, who also plays the violin solo, has served in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra. The two choral pieces for Zhang’s performance have been rehearsed for the past three months. He said that although all the members are amateur enthusiasts, they strive to meet professional standards, “hoping to improve everyone’s appreciation and singing level.” In addition to the choral practice on Tuesdays, he also leads a calligraphy class every Thursday morning, with over 20 participants. He believes that such activities help keep the elderly physically and mentally active.
Everyday Encouragement
Li Liu, who serves as the accompanist and artistic director of the piano, provided accompaniment for the majority of solo and chorus performances. She said that Ms. Yang, who retired as a corporate executive, has exceptional organizational skills.
Li Liu said she's watched many members — who had never performed on stage before — gradually build confidence. “I hope to let more people understand how happy and harmonious the lives of our elderly can be.”
Teaching Without Barriers
Vocal teacher David Zhang originally was an amateur singer. During the pandemic, however, he began to study with professional teachers. Last year, he won the gold award in the “World Chinese Song Contest.” He applies the experience he has learned to teaching the members of the center, emphasizing that there are no barriers to teaching, “As long as you have an interest, you can participate regardless of age or foundation.” He acknowledged that male members generally have weaker pitch foundations and the teaching difficulty is higher, but after many years, there has been significant progress. He believes that interest, perseverance, and appropriate guidance are the three key factors in learning vocal music.
From No Experience to the Stage
Dance teachers Minhua Huang and Yina Xie bring group dance and solo dance performances respectively this time. The two introduced the dance team that currently has more than 30 members. Most of them had no dance background before. Some just had brief contact with dance in their youth, but had stopped after starting work. Members usually communicate in Cantonese in their daily life, and classroom teaching is conducted in Mandarin. Limited by the venue and personnel arrangements, the dance team practices only once a week, for about an hour and a half, and the attendance rate and action memory of the members are often affected. The two teachers said that despite the limited rehearsal conditions, the enthusiasm of the members to participate has never diminished.
After Curtain, a Shared Table
After the performance ended, the members did not immediately disperse but stayed behind to have lunch together, exchanging blessings and casual talk about daily life. According to Mary, such gatherings are held every month — whenever there is a member’s birthday, everyone will buy a cake together to celebrate.
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