Soundtrack For Survival: Composer Wendy Yau Sum Cheung On How Music Heals

As Suicide Prevention Month winds down, composer and conductor Wendy Yau Sum Cheung offers a deeply personal look at how music—and intentional sound therapy—can be a lifeline. Inspired by her father’s struggles, Wendy created SENSES, an immersive concert at the Orpheum (Nov. 29) that blends orchestral music, breathwork and visuals to support men’s mental health. In this timely Q&A she shares practical ways music can ease anxiety and lift spirits, why the arts belong in mental-health care, and how every ticket helps HeadsUpGuys continue their vital work. —Noa Nichol

Your work on SENSES grew from a deeply personal place — can you share how your father’s experience shaped the concept and the music you composed?

The SENSES Concert evokes a lot of strong emotions because it stems from my past, and it brings up feelings that I think a lot of people will relate to.  The music in this concert captures feelings of loneliness due to absent parents growing up, which shaped how I saw the world, and moments of deep sadness when I witnessed how much my father had to struggle and fight for his own mental health. Growing up, I desperately wanted to help him, but didn’t know what to do and felt hopelessness with my efforts.  Writing music was definitely an outlet to allow my emotions to be fully expressed, and I’m so excited to invite audiences to share in this transformative journey of healing through music with me.

SENSES blends orchestral music, breathwork and visuals. How did you decide which sensory elements to combine, and what emotional arc do you want the audience to move through?

It was important to me to infuse all of the sensory elements (sound, sight, touch, taste, and scent) into the production.  The emotional arc will be different for each audience member because the reception of music is unique and rather personal.  My aim is to give the listener the opportunity to react to their own journey and tap into their deepest core and discover a part of who they are.  Each sensory element is integrated purposefully and gives another dimension to the music while heightening the overall experience.

You collaborated with Maestro Kenneth Hsieh and music therapist Dr. Alpha Woodward. How did those relationships shape the therapeutic intent and structure of the performance?

Maestro Ken is a world-class conductor who I have been fortunate to keep a close friendship with for many years. He has inspired me immensely to become a better writer and he has provided countless pieces of life guidance over the years; one of which led to this upcoming performance. Meanwhile, Dr. Alpha Woodward is a prolific author and an expert in her field as a music therapist. She has been instrumental to this production as our core consultant. 

Both are extremely generous and philanthropic individuals and genuinely care about our community.  I feel extremely lucky and honored to work side by side with these two amazing human beings, who share my vision of bringing healing through music and sound to so many people at the Orpheum on November 29th. We have developed such an amazing cast of professionals to perform this work, including the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, and we look forward to the impact this concert will have on audience members.

Research shows music therapy can dramatically reduce anxiety for some people. How do you translate those clinical findings into an emotional, accessible experience for a general audience?

Music therapy has always been a method to activate the brain to release chemicals such as dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, and endorphins, which induce feelings of well-being and reduce pain. The style of music that I compose allows a wide audience of people to feel emotions deeply, and through a series of pieces performed in a specific order, will help elevate positivity and optimism, thus reducing stress and anxiety.  I hope audience members come with an open mind and heart to embrace meaningful social connection and the beauty of being moved by a powerful, shared musical experience. I hope they leave feeling inspired and experience emotional healing, clarity, and connection, too.

The concert raises funds for HeadsUpGuys and focuses on men’s mental health. Why was it important to centre men in this project, and how do you hope the performance will shift stigma around men seeking help?

My father was someone who could have benefited from an organization such as HeadsUpGuys, so it felt fitting to give back through the SENSES concert which was ultimately inspired by him.  Unfortunately, not too many people are aware there is help available until it’s too late. In Canada, suicide rates are approximately three times higher among men compared to women.  The core message is that there is no shame in reaching out for support, because 1 in 5 people experience a mental health problem or illness each year. 

For readers experiencing low mood or seasonal affective disorder as the days shorten, what simple music- or sound-based practices could they incorporate into daily life to boost resilience?

I would suggest listening to music that is in major keys with instruments that inspire feelings of relaxation,  such as acoustic guitar, harp, piano, strings, and woodwinds. While listening, try breathing slowly and sitting in a meditating position to help enhance the experience.  Early mornings and before bedtimes are generally ideal times to incorporate soothing sounds as well, as this is when your mind tends to be more open or receptive to it. It really is a great way to set the tone and intention for your day, or to wind down and relax after a hectic or full day.

As a composer and performer, how do you protect your own mental health when working with material that’s emotionally heavy or personal? What self-care rituals keep you grounded?

I take the approach that no emotions are bad; it’s just an emotion, and this feeling can change from time to time. I try not to judge it, but instead accept it. Music helps me flush out my emotions; it allows my spirit to re-energize.  When things feel too emotionally heavy, I try to stick to my rituals of taking breaks throughout the day. I also enjoy doing some sort of exercise to remain grounded, like going for a swim.

For people who are skeptical about the therapeutic power of music, what would you say to help them understand how sound can be a tool for mental health — and when professional help is also needed?

Music is a powerful therapeutic tool. It can evoke strong emotional responses because it activates memories associated with it.  Music can also alter physiological responses, such as lowering blood pressure and heart rate and increasing blood flow to specific brain regions. From emotional regulation to anxiety reduction, and even improving confidence through self-expression and social engagement, music has so many incredible benefits. Therapists successfully use music as a powerful tool for managing patients’ negative emotions, which helps them process and express feelings that they might otherwise struggle to articulate.

While music can be a useful tool for supporting mental health, it’s important for people to recognize warning signs for mental illnesses such as persistent or overwhelming anxiety, loss of interest in things you previously enjoyed, or disruptions that affect overall quality of life, to name a few.There is absolutely no shame in asking for help.

Beyond the concert, what practical steps or ongoing projects do you have planned to keep the conversation going and expand access to music-based mental health supports?

To me, the SENSES Concert on November 29th at the Orpheum Theatre is just the beginning. I hope that this concert will  open up opportunities to host even more concerts throughout the world! Music is truly such a powerful tool for healing and mental health support, and my vision and mission is to bring more introspection and self-awareness to mental health and wellness, and especially to end the stigma around men’s mental health. 

Finally, for anyone reading who is worried about a loved one, or who is struggling themselves: what’s one actionable thing they can do tonight that uses music or breath to create a little space and relief?

If anyone is worried about a loved one, one actionable thing they can do is to find a meditative track of music that will relax the mind and provide space for connection. Find relief and clear your mind by taking a hot bath while listening to soft music as a way to help  boost the mood and clear up some negative energy. Life is beautiful, and we have the agency to choose how we see the world and to shape the life we live.

The SENSES Concert is coming to the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver on November 29th, 2025. Tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seat or learn more, visit https://sensesconcert.com/.