Canadian Tenors visit Richmond Hospital

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Marcia Brodie was moved to tears as the Canadian Tenors sang for her inside Richmond Hospital’s chemotherapy ward Tuesday morning.

It was her last day of cancer treatment, and on this day as fortune would have it, she got to meet and chat with three-fourths of the made-in-Canada international singing sensation.

Richmond’s own Fraser Walters, Clifton Murray and Victor Micallef greeted patients in the ward, and spent some time chatting with them, listening to their individual stories. (Remigio Pereira, the fourth member of the group, was unable to appear due to illness).

The tenors received a tour of the hospital’s refurbished emergency ward, courtesy manager Claude Stang.

“We love doing our music, and I think it’s always from a real place. And when you see this, it reminds us to keep it real, all the time,” said Micallef.

“Going through the hospital, and doing charity events like the 25th anniversary gala, it charges and inspires our music. And it reminds us that every time we get on stage, to try to make a difference in a small way, and to really connect with the music and make sure that we’re affecting people in a positive way.”

The Richmond Hospital Foundation celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, and the Canadian Tenors ensured it was an unforgettable fundraising gala. The singers performed at the 14th Starlight Gala at River Rock Casino Resort, which raised money for the Richmond Hospital Foundation.

Walters shared a personal story about how the Richmond Hospital helped save his life.

While a university athlete, he was diagnosed with a heart condition that required a days-long stay at Richmond Hospital, and eventually surgery.

“I remember the care at that time was just unbelievable and so this place, it’s very meaningful for me to come back,” Walters said. “We’re very fortunate to perform and share our music around the world. But health is everything...”