Reaching Across the Ocean for Women’s Health

On April 6, 2008, Montreal's historic Monument-National came alive with the sounds of the orient as nearly 50 musicians took the stage to perform in a unique concert event known simply as Friendship Across the Ocean. Presented by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government through its official representative in Canada, the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office, the concert saw East meeting West as musicians from the renowned Toronto Chinese Orchestra and the Overseas Chinese Music Ensemble, accompanied by world-class soloists playing ancient Chinese instruments, musically transported the audience to another world.

Thanks to the special support of Pierrette Wong, Co-Chair of the Women’s Health division of the McGill University Health Centre’s Best Care for Life campaign and a leader within Montreal’s Chinese community, all profits from the event were generously donated to the Women’s Health Mission of the MUHC. Maryse Bertrand, Co-Chair of the Women’s Health Mission was also closely involved in the project. She remarked that both the concert and the Mission, “are inspired by a truly global vision, and both aim to create a lasting positive impact, whether through international economic development or through the world-leading health care advances on which the McGill University Health Centre’s Women’s Health Mission has built its reputation.”

Alongside officials from the MUHC and representatives of the Chinese Embassy, many political dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the ties between Montreal and Hong Kong, including Marcel Tremblay, Fatima Houda-Pepin, and Montreal’s mayor, Gérald Tremblay. Delighted by the concert, the mayor warmly noted that it was “wonderful to see these great cultures and causes coming together for such a special show.” This sentiment was echoed by an appreciative and nearly sold-out audience, which rose to its feet with thunderous applause after the last notes of musical friendship flowed across the stage.

The proceeds form the event are still being tallied, but will only add to what was already a remarkable demonstration of the ties of music and giving that unite us all.