On the evening of March 31st, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao commenced its national tour with a mesmerizing performance at the Hefei Grand Theater. This performance marked the second stop of the school's 2023 national tour, drawing close to a thousand spectators from Hefei to enjoy an unforgettable evening of musical artistry.
Exploring the Menuhin Spirit
Prior to the concert's official inauguration, deputy head Mark Stringer extended a warm welcome to the audience. He introduced The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, the essence of the Menuhin spirit, the concept of holistic education, and outlined the school's distinctive methodology for nurturing future musicians. In addition, he sincerely invited everyone to experience the school firsthand.
A Foray into the World of Classical Music
The concert commenced with piano instructor Wang Ziyue's fervent and dynamic interpretation of Brahms' Rhapsody, which painted an inviting pastoral tapestry for the audience. This was followed by various compositions from the late 18th to the 21st centuries, performed by students from keyboard, string, and wind majors. Spanning from classical maestros such as Boccherini and Mozart to romantics like Brahms, Paganini and Liszt, and on to 20th-century innovators like Moszkowski, Gulda, and Madsen, the concert offered a vibrant panorama of classical music epochs.
Brahms - Rhapsodie Op.79 No.1
Performed by: Wang Ziyue
1.Paganini - 24 Caprices, Op.1: No.1, 4
2.Mozart - Violin Concerto No.4 in D Major, K. 218: I. Allegro
Performed by: Li Hao
Instructed by: Wang Boyang
Piano accompaniment: Liu Zhirong
Madsen - Sonate - Klavierstimme
Performed by: Ma Tianyi
Instructed by: Gu Cong
Piano accompaniment: Shi He
1.Moritz Moszkowski：Etincelles
2.Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 11
Performed by: Yang Botian
Instructed by: Xu Fei
Gulda Play Piano Play, No.6
Performed by: Zhou Zihao
Instructed by: Xu Fei
1.Luigi Boccherini ：Rondo
2.Brahms Cello Sonata No.2 in F major 1st movement
Performed by: Kuang Yihao
Instructed by: Yu Mingqing
Piano accompaniment: Wang Ziyue
The finale of the concert featured a riveting chamber music ensemble comprising Chen Haoyang, Jing Haoran, and Kuang Yihao. They offered a moving rendition of Summer and Winter, two sections from the Four Seasons Suite by the Argentine composer Piazzolla — a suite crafted in homage to Vivaldi's Baroque masterpiece. The music's poignant transitions conjured up the enchanting atmosphere of Buenos Aires across different seasons, communicating the musicians' reverence for nature and all that embodies innocence and beauty.
The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires-Astor Piazzolla
Il. Verano Porteño
I.Invierno Porteño
Performed by: Chen Haoyang, Jing Haoran, and Kuang Yihao
Instructed by: Shi He
A Morning of Enlightening Masterclasses
Earlier that day, violin instructor Wang Boyang and piano instructor Wang Ziyue from The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao presented two public masterclasses on their respective instruments for local youth. These young musicians, thoroughly prepared, took to the stage to demonstrate their abilities and eagerly absorb professional feedback. The teachers offered personalized instruction, attentively listening to each performance and exemplifying key points. Their insightful analysis and vivid, expressive explanations garnered the students' admiration, substantially enhancing their performance capabilities and musical comprehension.
The commitment, expertise, and fervor displayed by the teachers deeply resonated with the audience, who collectively acknowledged the immense benefits gleaned from these public masterclasses. They also expressed a deepened understanding of their instruments and eagerly anticipated further opportunities to learn from the faculty of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao.
To revisit the entire performance, please scan the attached QR code.