Finding Belonging (Toronto) – documentary
Speakers (in order of appearance): Patty Chan, Ming Chan, Ming Wong, Henry Yip, Soo Gane Won
Music (in order of performance): Auspicious Night by Liu Tianhua, performed by Patty Chan; Singing a Mountain Song, performed by CIMGOT 1979; Advancing to Victory, performed by CIMGOT 1979; Beijing has a Golden Sun, performed by CIMGOT 1979; Fishermen’s Song of the Eastern Sea by Gu Guanren and Ma Shenglong, performed by CIMGOT 1979; Chan Kol Nidre: Redemption by Patty Chan, performed by Patty Chan and Marjolaine Fournier 2017
Sources: Archival film of CIMGUT/CIMGOT: Ruddy Won; Archival posters/photos of CIMGUT/CIMGOT: Albert Wong; Archival photos of CIMGOT: Patty Chan; Photos and video of TCO/TCCO: Patty Chan; Videographers: Patty Chan, Marjolaine Fournier; Audio/Video Editing: Patty Chan
© Patty Chan 2022
Finding Belonging (2022) – A documentary by Patty Chan that explores the history and legacy of the Chinese Instrumental Music Group of Toronto (CIMGOT), Toronto’s first traditional Chinese orchestra (1969-1987). This film was created using the collected archival materials of the orchestra’s activities, the recorded interviews with the founders and members of the orchestra, and Patty’s own autoethnographic observations and experiences.
Patty Chan is a second-generation Chinese Canadian erhu musician, educator, and author. She is the Music Director of the Toronto Chinese Orchestra, Co-Founder of the cross-cultural PhoeNX Ensemble with harpist Sanya Eng, and Director of the Centre for Music Innovations. As an erhu musician, Patty has collaborated with many ensembles and organizations, performed in world premieres of theatre and opera productions, and premiered many new works. Patty’s own composition, Redemption: The Chan Kol Nidre (2015) for erhu and viola da gamba has been added to the archives at the Beit Hatfutsot in Tel Aviv, a museum for the Jewish people. Patty teaches erhu at York and Carleton universities. She has written several books about the erhu that have sold in over 30 countries, and a storybook in three languages about Chinese instruments for children. She is also currently creating a Chinese music database for English readers at the Centre for Music Innovations in partnership with the Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra in Taiwan. Her work with PhoeNX Ensemble has inspired many young composers to write for Chinese instruments, adding to Canadian mixed ensemble repertoire. Completing her MA in Ethnomusicology at York University in 2022, Patty’s area of research is in the exploration of the history and development of Chinese orchestral music in Canada and its impact on identity and community. Patty’s musical journey is one of bringing connection and offering belonging through music. It’s a simple premise that informs all her ideas. Her many projects have significantly contributed the orchestral community by bringing new collaborations and new opportunities, demonstrating the power of inclusivity in music.
