The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao played host to an exchange concert on April 28th, which was held in the distinguished Menuhin Hall. The concert was expertly guided by Professor Xu Fei, our resident piano specialist and the head of our Keyboard Faculty. We were also graced with the presence of Dr. Sun Yun, an esteemed piano professor from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

Three of our gifted piano students, along with Jin Zihan, a promising talent from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music's affiliated high school, captivated the audience with their performances. Using the piano as their common language, students from both institutions showcased a diverse range of classical compositions, thereby fostering a fruitful exchange of musical culture and artistry.

Students from The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao took the stage first, impressing the audience with an array of performances. The vibrant South American spirit was unmistakable in Ginastera's Danzas Argentinas while Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody sustained an undeniably passionate atmosphere. The music seemed to ebb and flow like high-reaching waves, each cresting higher than the last. In a riveting performance by our student Wang Zikang, the haunting imagery and unpredictable ambiance of the composition Scarbo were vividly brought to life.

Our students' fingers danced effortlessly across the monochrome keys, pouring out beautiful piano melodies that captivated the audience. The fresh and enduring tunes were nothing short of memorable. These performances exemplified the core musical acumen that our students are renowned for, offering an array of works that reflected the diverse styles and rich creativity of various composers.

Alberto Ginastera: Danzas Argentinas, op. 2

No. 1: Danza del viejo boyero

No. 2: Danza de la moza donosa

No. 3: Danza del gaucho matrero

Performed by: Yang Botian 

Instructed by: Fei Xu

Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No.2

Performed by: Zhang Wenting

Instructed by: Fei Xu

Haydn Piano Sonata Hob.XVI:31

I.Moderato

II.Allegretto

III.Presto

Ravel Scarbo from Gaspard de la nuit

Performed by: Wang Zikang 

Instructed by: Fei Xu

Jin Zihan, a student from the affiliated high school of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, performed six classic works composed by Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, and Liszt. She skillfully presented the unpredictable melodies, surging emotions, and intricate harmonies inherent in different pieces of music. The concluding piece, Liszt's Spanish Rhapsody is a representative work of Liszt's piano music. It requires elaborate technique and exquisite musical expression. With her superior skills, Jin Zihan brilliantly brought out the characteristic Spanish national style in the music, leaving the audience in awe.

J.S.Bach Prelude and Fugue in C major, BWV 870

Chopin Etude in A minor,Op.25 No.11

Chopin Scherzo NO.4 in E major, OP.54

Beethoven Sonata NO.11 in B flat, OP.22: 1. Allegro con brio

Chopin Berceuse OP.57

Franz Liszt Rhapsodie Espagnole S.254

Performed by: Jinzi Han

Instructed by: Yun Sun

The exchange concert lasted for over two hours. The repertoire was challenging, comprehensive, and substantial, and the successful performance reflected the students' music abilities and solid foundations. In the future, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao will continue to engage in academic exchanges with renowned institutions, build friendships, and provide students with more opportunities for communication, exchange, and performance.