Finding Belonging

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.
CREDITS
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

[@philipkoh3893]

very enlightening and motivating video, certainly we should continue to explore and understand our root which is important part of our growing up to learn about our culture in order to continue to pass on to next generation and of course music is one of the most effective way to get everyone together be it the same or other races.

[@javiererhumusicachina462]

Dear Patty, is very nice the documentary. It is so important to maintain the essence, the origin of your own country, no matter what country you are from. It is a beautiful story. I hope to visit you soon in 2025.

[@pattychan5683]

Thank you for your encouragement!

[@shinglee3957]

Just after watching this great video, I learn more about TCO's past historical process, and the team members' dedication and perseverance have led to today's achievements.
I have been immigrating to Canada for more than 45 years. When I was working, music could relieve my stress. I accidentally heard an erhu playing in the Early Spring of Jiangnan, and I fell in love with the erhu instrument.

[@anthonyko8926]

When I was once asked by a music examiner why did I picked up the Chinese music ,
I told him I was trying to find myself through the process of learning. Our desire to
find our belonging is in line with human nature. Our conscience and our instinct.
Sincere Thanks for the inspiration.

[@mandys1505]

that was a great video - i think of toronto as a place with much more chinese musicians than most places around this area of us/canada, and i didn't know of this history!
I do love the song with the erhu and the viol! i love both of those instruments so much -

[@pattychan5683]

Thanks for your comment! Times have changed, but these stories of identity struggles in the Chinese diaspora still resonate and should be shared. I didn't want this snapshot of Chinese Canadian history to be forgotten.