They say music has the power to heal, and the old adage is proving to be true for a group of talented children from low-income families.

They receive free musical education through the Hong Kong Hope Through Music Children's Choir and Children's Orchestra.

The youngsters perform free community concerts to spread care and love to other people in need.

The orchestra's concertmaster Ada Lau plays the viola and the violin.

Her family cannot afford music lessons as her father is a stroke patient and her mother Chan Kai-wang cannot work as she needs to care for her husband and two daughters, so learning music is a luxury for them. However, she found that music was good for Ada, who is autistic.

"When she was in Primary 1 she could not remember what she learned at school - not a word, even after writing it 100 times. She could not understand why one plus one makes two and she never played with other children."

Music track

Music is the only thing Ada, who also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, shows interest in. Her mother said she is glad she found the Hope Through Music Children's Charity, which offers free music lessons.

"When I discovered they offered free music lessons I signed Ada up immediately. We are so happy we did."

Music not only made Ada open her heart, but the charity's instructors also discovered her musical potential.

Ms Chan said: "She changed from a timid girl to a confident and happy girl. She loves music and performing onstage."

Ada has performed with the orchestra on multiple occasions and participated in a musical exchange tour in Austria.

Last year, she played at the prestigious National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

Ada said: "It was spectacular. I was so proud to perform there. Although I did not give a solo performance, it felt good to play with my friends."

Confidence building

Navy Lin also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. His parents said performing helps children build self-confidence and teaches them to work as a team.

Navy's father Lin Shao-min said he is happy his son can perform at renowned venues with the Hope Through Music Children's Choir.

"The aim of the organisation is to provide opportunities for underprivileged children to learn music and perform. I really appreciate that. They may not be the best choir, but they still have the chance to perform in places like the Hong Kong Cultural Centre."

Navy's mother Fu Cui-hong said the choir's teachers are patient and caring, and help students build confidence.

"My son is active, even naughty sometimes. I was worried they would not want to teach him. I am thankful they took him on and taught him with love and care. It is too expensive to join other choirs. Navy is happy here and he has also learned to co-operate with others, not just in singing."

Social harmony

The charity was formed in 2014. Funded by the Social Welfare Department's Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged, it provides opportunities for underprivileged children to play music.

The Vienna Boys Choir Music Academy Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Youth Symphonic Orchestra provide professional tutors to inspire the young musicians and advise the charity's staff.

The charity's Chairman Lam Kai-fai said the choir and the orchestra have bought hope to children, created opportunities for them and boosted their confidence.

"Our students not only perform at renowned venues, but also at hospitals and elderly homes because we want to raise their interest in music and help them establish a good character.

"They also have the opportunity to play or sing with other schools, choirs or orchestras. We want to give these children a level playing field and encourage them to overcome their less fortunate backgrounds.

"When their character and self-esteem improve, they can strive for a better future."