Masking their true talent, volunteer musicians get to work

Like Guo, Zhou was also responsible for trimming the edges of the masks.

"It's quite a difference between watching workers making face masks on TV and making face masks by ourselves. The workers trained us before we actually started to work on the production line. After two hours of working, my muscles were stiff and I was sweating because I was so nervous and focused," Zhou says.

"The factory staff work day and night and they deserve respect from everyone."

She says members of the orchestra will continue to volunteer to work at Shanghai's mask factories.

The 140-year-old Shanghai Symphony Orchestra has been trying to connect with audiences through online programs, such as shows and music courses, since all of its planned concerts and public events were canceled due to the outbreak.

The first online show, performed by a string quartet from the orchestra on March 14, attracted over 1 million viewers.

The second online show, marking the 250th birthday of Ludwig van Beethoven, one of the most renowned composers of all time, was held on March 26, featuring a theme of spring.

"The pandemic will end, and we look forward to the day when audiences return to the concert halls and share music with us again. The experience of fighting against the virus makes us treasure what we have more than ever," Zhou says.