Lorenzo Micheli, a prominent figure in the classical guitar world, made a remarkable appearance at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Qingdao. His visit featured not only a dazzling performance of solo and ensemble works in the Menuhin Hall but also a series of one-on-one masterclasses. Students of the classical guitar department had the unique opportunity to perform alongside him and receive expert guidance — a truly invaluable experience.

Playing with the Maestro: Nerves and Excitement

On September 18, the school’s violin department hosted a spectacular event, “GFA Champion Night” – Lorenzo Micheli Classical Guitar Concert. The concert presented an impressive range of classical guitar arrangements, including solos, duets, trios, and quartets. Lorenzo Micheli, renowned for winning top prizes at prestigious competitions such as the Alessandria International Guitar Competition and the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) competition, has recorded over 20 albums with labels including Naxos.

During the concert, Micheli performed a duet with the school's classical guitar associate professor Wang You, delivering the Tango Suite. He also joined renowned Chinese guitarist Sun Xuanxuan for a captivating trio performance. In addition, Micheli showcased his virtuosity with eight solo pieces, each one a masterful re-interpretation of classical works, leaving the audience spellbound.

Micheli’s presence also brought the students of the classical guitar program into the spotlight. Performing alongside such a master was a thrilling yet nerve-wracking experience. The quartet, featuring students Sha Qianhao, Li Minglun, Xi Chuanping, and Li Mingduojie, displayed remarkable synergy, while Li Minglun and Ran Wenxuan’s passionate duet, Django’s Dance, captivated the audience. These young talents not only rose to the occasion but also took home invaluable lessons from the experience, setting them on the path to becoming future stars of classical guitar.

"Playing alongside a master like Micheli helps me gain stage experience and build a solid foundation for future studies."

— Sha Qianhao (10th Grade)

"It felt like magic flowing from his fingertips. Every piece he played seemed like a dialogue with the guitar. Watching him perform up close was such a privilege!"

— Ran Wenxuan (11th Grade)

Inspiring Lessons from a World-Class Educator

In addition to his achievements as a performer, Lorenzo Micheli is also an esteemed educator. He serves as the Director of Graduate Studies and Professor of Guitar at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano, Switzerland, and frequently holds artist-in-residence and visiting professor positions at music institutions across the United States. Naturally, his visit included a masterclass session tailored for the school’s classical guitar students.

Micheli’s teaching was both structured and personalized. He guided students through fundamental skills such as finger dexterity and dynamic control, advanced techniques involving hand coordination, as well as detailed musical interpretation and artistic expression. Students performing on stage adjusted their playing according to Micheli’s feedback, showing noticeable improvement with each iteration. Those observing from the audience eagerly took notes, capturing every piece of wisdom shared by the maestro.

"Micheli’s masterclass was incredibly thorough, deepening my understanding and appreciation of classical guitar."

— Li Mingduojie (7th Grade)

Though the classical guitar department at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao is still relatively new, it has already established a strong foundation with concerts, seminars, and masterclasses. The school’s first classical guitar graduate, Zhu Yidan, has embarked on her academic journey at the University of Illinois Chicago. What will the next musical feast hold for the classical guitar program? Which renowned maestro will travel across the globe to inspire these young musicians next? Stay tuned — the best is yet to come!