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As Annabelle Ho Wai-shan’s fingers flew across the neck of her violin, scenes from the Japanese animated feature Spirited Away played behind her. The Studio Ghibli film itself is an attractive draw, but its message is part of what makes this concert so unique.
In the film, a powerful River Spirit is infected with human pollution. The main character pulls out what becomes a heaping pile of gunk-covered waste from the relieved, grateful spirit’s body.
As Ho finished playing, the scene behind her concluded. She took the opportunity to transition into a message about Hong Kong’s own pollution and waste problem, pointing audience members to groups doing environmental work in the city.
Since its inception on Earth Day 2023, Ho has reached more than 1,450 people through concerts that mix musical performance with climate education. The project is aptly named ClimateXArt.
“The way we treat our planet is ultimately how it treats us back,” Ho said. “While our environment is facing severe damage – some of it irreversible – it is never too late to stop further degradation and do everything within our power to restore what we can.”
The 28-year-old works on the project alongside her full-time job, leveraging her music to bring audiences into a conversation about climate change.
“I often think about how to make the next generation really understand [what’s important] … and inspire them to do it themselves, without you pushing them,” Ho said.
Combining music and education
Ho has played the violin since she was six, but her climate advocacy journey only began around 2020. After graduating from university, she applied to help with a TEDx programme that explored social issues. There, she was impressed by a teen speaker advocating for ocean protection.
“I thought since she could do it, I could do it too,” Ho said. The experience encouraged the violinist to join climate change awareness projects.
Ho soon began to wonder: why not use music to talk about the environment? She held her first collaborative performance at a cafe in Central. It was the first time she combined Studio Ghibli films, classical music and climate change awareness.
The performance was informal and experimental. Some attendees came because they liked Studio Ghibli films and the music. Others were simply curious.
That mix showed Ho that music could bring people into a conversation about climate change even if it was not the reason they walked through the door: “Music is a really good ‘soft’ approach. It doesn’t force you … It gives everyone room to talk,” she said.
Ho handles everything, from marketing and partnerships to performance design, on her own. Concert tickets are priced to help cover the costs of venue rentals and audience gifts. Music is selected based on what audiences may recognise, such as scores by Joe Hisaishi, the Japanese composer behind many Studio Ghibli films.
At the end of every performance, Ho connects the film scene to environmental issues the audience might encounter in Hong Kong, such as waste reduction and ocean protection. She wraps up by explaining solutions offered by relevant local organisations and brands.
Audience members learn what is available in Hong Kong, “which can help them take individual climate action”, she said.
At one memorable concert, Ho invited her violin students to play, giving them a chance to gain experience and confidence, and be part of climate action.
Climate change and action
Ho’s music and environmental education have taken her to bigger international stages – the violinist performed twice at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or Cop28.
At the conference, Ho learned how climate change is experienced differently around the world. She recalled a conversation with representatives from a small, developing country who were curious how Hong Kong had “so much money” for green policies.
Despite concern about their country’s environmental situation, they faced severe limitations in fundraising.
“I saw they really wanted to do something but were very powerless because they had no money,” Ho said. “Their anxiety really awakened me.”
Ho has gone beyond concerts when it comes to climate education. She has given guest lectures at Hong Kong universities and local organisations, discussing how music can help inspire climate action.
One topic she has explored is sustainability within the music industry. She has examined how concert tours generate carbon emissions and the eco-friendly practices some bands have adopted, such as Coldplay encouraging fans to use recyclable wristbands and take public transport to venues.
When asked what advice she has for young climate activists, Ho was straight to the point: “When there’s a chance, just grab it.” She suggested launching a pilot programme and finding a mentor who builds confidence.
The violinist said she occasionally feels frustrated when audience members seem uninspired by her performance and its message. But she reminds herself that it may be one step towards caring for the environment.
“I don’t mind if they just listen to the music. I’m also very grateful they gave me time to speak and were willing to listen,” she said.
