On November 8, the Woodwind Department at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao hosted its first faculty and student concert of the semester, titled The Voice of Woodwinds – YMSQ Faculty and Student Woodwind Ensemble Concert, at Menuhin Hall. Led by five of the school’s esteemed woodwind professors—including renowned musicians and educators such as flute professor Han Guoliang, oboe professor Wei Weidong, clarinet professor Yuan Yuan, horn professor Man Yi, and bassoon professor Li Lansong—the concert featured several classic works, offering both a live audience and nearly 2,000 online viewers the chance to experience the enchanting sounds of woodwind instruments.

The concert kicked off with a smooth introduction in both Chinese and English by Zhang Ning, a young clarinet teacher and Doctor of Clarinet from the Juilliard School. Her welcoming words quickly drew in the audience, setting the stage for an exciting evening of music.

The first performance was given by Professor Han Guoliang, who opened with Mozart’s Sonata in F Major. Before performing, Professor Han shared an inspiring story about the piece, noting that Mozart composed it when he was just seven years old. He encouraged the students to have confidence in themselves, to take risks, to practice with dedication, and to always strive for improvement, drawing inspiration from the great composer.

Next, Professor Wei Weidong presented Three Sketches from Southern Shaanxi by renowned composer Zhao Jiping. The deeply emotional performance captivated the audience, transporting them to the picturesque landscapes of southern Shaanxi through its rhythms and evocative melodies.

Professor Li Lansong then performed Donizetti’s A Furtive Tear, which is an aria from the opera The Elixir of Love. The woodwind arrangement brought a refreshing new style to the piece, offering a delightful auditory experience.

Professor Yuan Yuan followed with the romantic Salomé by Béla Kovács, showcasing a rich, exotic style. The flawless collaboration between Professor Yuan and pianist Liu Ruosha was seamless, pulling the audience into the performance with each delicate note.

Professor Man Yi’s rendition of Paul Dukas’ Pastoral highlighted the majestic grandeur of the French horn, leaving the audience in awe.

One of the most touching moments of the concert came when students performed alongside their professors. While some of the students were understandably nervous, they gradually gained confidence, thanks to the encouragement of Professor Li Lansong and their other teachers. This moment of mentorship not only inspired the students but also beautifully showcased the intergenerational collaboration and artistic legacy at the school. With the guidance offered at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, the students’ futures are truly promising.

What set this concert apart was the insightful commentary provided by Professor Li Lansong. His engaging explanations of the pieces added a layer of understanding, allowing the audience to appreciate the music on a deeper level. He also used every opportunity to guide his students, offering constructive feedback on their stage presence, reflecting the true dedication and spirit of a master teacher. The concert was more than just a performance; it was a lively masterclass that left the audience absorbed in the music for the full 90 minutes.

The concert concluded with the professors performing the Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, with the exceptional pianist Liu Ruosha accompanying the ensemble throughout the evening.

The concert attracted a diverse audience, including students, parents, faculty, and music enthusiasts from across Qingdao, as well as woodwind students from Qingdao No. 2 Middle School, Qingdao No. 9 Middle School, Qingdao No. 39 Middle School, and Qingdao Zhujiang Road Primary School. The audience followed the ebb and flow of the music, fully immersed in the experience. After the performance, many expressed their gratitude to the YMSQ professors for such an inspiring concert and eagerly looked forward to future opportunities to enjoy more performances by YMSQ’s faculty and students.