Performing the "Golden Melodies" concert with John Mallinson Youth Band at Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged (TTHA)

It was a pleasure working with the John Mallinson Youth Band (JMYB) to bring our Golden Melodies concert to life at Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged (TTHA) on Saturday, 25 July 2026. We were also incredibly fortunate to have Ms Ananya Hariharan join us as our guest vocalist! 😊

The idea of performing at TTHA first emerged in November 2025. I have worked there as an aged care on-site pharmacist since June 2025 and have had the privilege of hearing many incredible life stories from its residents.

In particular, I have met many residents who still play music or once played an instrument. Seeing some of them lose the ability to perform because of dementia or other illnesses evokes a particularly strong emotion in me. As a musician, I know how much joy music brings, and I find it difficult to imagine one day losing the ability to compose or participate in it.

In many ways, this concert became a dialogue between younger and older generations of musicians. Through sharing our passion, we hoped to help residents reconnect with their own musical memories while bringing enjoyment to everyone in attendance.

The turnout was incredible. Residents, care workers, nurses and doctors all joined us in the audience. For that moment, music brought everyone together. Seeing the room so immersed in the performance was deeply fulfilling for me, both as a pharmacist and as a musician.

I have performed and written music for the JMYB for almost nine years. A massive thank you to all 26 musicians who worked so hard to bring this concert together. Thank you to our music director, Mr Joseph Yu, who arranged and conducted half of the program alongside me. Thank you to Ananya for joining us as our featured vocalist. Your exceptional singing made the occasion even more memorable and special.

I would also like to thank Sara Rupenovic, Cerie Saunders, Monique Dickson and Kate Liddington from TTHA for their support throughout the coordination and setup process.

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On a personal note, this concert gave me an opportunity to fully embrace my dual identity as both a pharmacist and a musician.

Pursuing excellence in two vastly different fields is not easy. Both require considerable time and dedication, and there have been many periods when little time remained for myself. I have often questioned whether maintaining my current commitment to both pharmacy and music would be sustainable.

However, I am deeply grateful to the family, friends and colleagues from both communities who have supported me throughout the years. I have gradually come to understand that a person is not defined by a single passion or profession. Rather, it is the combination of our experiences, values, kindness and determination that makes us who we are.

To the musicians reading this post, I hope this concert serves as a reminder that music can create meaning in places we may not immediately consider. Some of us perform in concert halls before thousands of people. Some contribute to productions that reach millions around the world. Others perform in smaller venues within local schools, aged care homes and community spaces.

Regardless of who we are or where we perform, music exists on both grand and intimate scales—and each is equally meaningful in bringing joy to its audience.

As both a pharmacist and a musician, I am proud to have served my communities through this concert.

💊 x 🎵

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