Pianist Niu Niu to perform at VIVA Foundation concert on Oct. 27 at Esplanade in support of children with cancer

Pianist Niu Niu, also known as Zhang Shengliang, has played numerous tours over his 23-year career.

But his next performance will be among the most challenging ones yet, as he presents one movement from eight different concertos in a single VIVA Foundation concert on Oct. 27 at Esplanade Concert Hall.

He still wants to do this as he was "deeply touched" by the foundation's support for children with cancer, he told Mothership.

Trying no matter how slim the chance

Funds raised through this concert will go towards childhood cancer care including research, education and survivorship programmes.

As such, Niu Niu "really [wants] to use this programme to represent [his] most sincere support".

"I really hope music can have some kind of healing power and give some support to all the children with cancer," he said.

While there is no guarantee patients will live despite treatment and other forms of support, he thinks it is worth the shot.

"Even if there's a 1 per cent or 0.5 per cent of a chance, I still want to try."

This also ties in to Niu Niu's philosophy as a musician, that "music must serve some kind of purpose", whether it is making his listeners happier or helping them relieve stress.

If an audience walks out of the concert hall feeling that way, that is "the most satisfying moment" for him.

In that regard, he hopes members of the public will support VIVA Foundation with cancer and have an unforgettable experience at the concert.

Sneak peak

Titled "VIVA Concerti: Where the Twain Shall Meet", Niu Niu gave a preview of what to expect during a Sep. 2 recital.

He showcased a medley of pieces from the eight concertos, specially arranged only for the night, and also performed an original composition.

Prominent guests that evening included former ministers George Yeo and Lim Hwee Hua.

The concert will be presented in conjunction with the foundation's 20th anniversary, as it embarks on its next chapter.

Transforming life after childhood cancer

Over the past 20 years, VIVA has been advancing childhood cancer care through research, education and medical care.

Its founder and chair Jennifer Yeo told Mothership that the foundation's 20th anniversary is a "very important milestone".

She said it is time to "take stock of where we are at, and where we want to be".

The foundation looks for unmet needs before calling human and financial capital to meet the need, she added.

Noting that they only look for projects no one else is doing, Yeo said it must be transformational and high impact to benefit more people.

Change in direction

In the years ahead, the foundation is looking to transform life after childhood cancer instead of just improving survival.

Yeo said that will be done in terms of research and building a professional team.

This includes her son, Frederick Yeo, working full time as a research scientist at the foundation's lab.

Having previously survived a childhood battle with leukaemia, the younger Yeo, who is a medical doctor, helped to start the lab with equipment such as a machine that allows one to examine 360° of a tumour.

Driven by love, Yeo said the foundation wants to save the children regardless of race, language, religion, and nationality.

"We keep doing because at the end of the day, we tell ourselves it's not about numbers, not about fame....It's saving that child, that one life is so precious."

That is also her message to those attending the Oct. 27 concert, that "every child matters".

Members of the public may purchase tickets online.