A new musical number is the latest piece to be woven into the growing tapestry of Dr. Bonnie Henry and her fans, this one in the form of an ode sung by Pacific Opera Victoria.
In a video posted to YouTube, a collection of performers from Pacific Opera Victoria join together virtually in order to serenade the provincial health officer with “An Ode to Dr. Henry.”
The lyrics were crafted by Bill Richardson and the song itself is based on the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah.
Although the song is directed towards Dr. Henry with creative lyrics to back it up, there is another message being portrayed in the video. That is to continue washing your hands.
The posted clip boasts Pacific Opera performers scrubbing away at their hands with soap while they belt the tune.
“In our ‘Ode to Dr. Henry’ the Pacific Opera Chorus shows our appreciation to Dr. Henry for her devotion to keeping our province safe and healthy during COVID-19, helping us flatten the curve, and hopefully to be able to listen to live opera performances soon!” reads a statement from Pacific Opera Victoria in the video description.
The video is part of a bigger series focusing on cleanliness, the Handwashing Public Service Video Project. The series features how-to videos on handwashing featuring a variety of singers from Pacific Opera Victoria performing proper handwashing procedures while singing popular arias to altered lyrics.
“In the era of COVID-19, washing your hands is anything but a ‘quick & dirty’ job! Health experts say we should use the proper technique and scrub for at least 20 to 30 seconds – as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice. But who says you can’t sing something else?” says Pacific Opera Victoria.
An Ode to Dr. Henry becomes another example of a way fans of Bonnie’s are expressing their appreciation for the doctor’s hard work.
Throughout the pandemic, Dr. Bonnie Henry has cemented herself as an icon, with everything from t-shirts, designer shoes, music and art being created in her honour.
Below are the lyrics to An Ode to Dr. Henry:
Bonnie Henry, Dr. Henry, Bonnie Henry, Dr. Henry,
Compassion and nerve
Bonnie Henry, Dr. Henry, Bonnie Henry, Dr. Henry,
We’ll flatten the curve
We are all in this mess together
Bonnie Henry, Dr. Henry
But it’s for now and not forever
Bonnie Henry, Dr. Henry
Don’t lose heart Just keep apart
Cool and strong
Be kind safe calm
Bonnie Henry, Dr Henry, Bonnie Henry, Dr Henry Bonnie Henry
Graham Cox
