On June 9th, Wang Luming, Director of the Standing Committee of the Qingdao Municipal People's Congress, welcomed Headmaster of The Yehudi Menuhin School Benjamin David Gudgeon and Music Director Ashley Jonathan Wass. The visiting delegation recounted the journey of establishing The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao. They commended how, despite the continuous influence of the pandemic, the project swiftly achieved high-quality construction and smoothly commenced operations, boasting world-class facilities and faculty. The school quickly attracted international attention and the inaugural graduates have already been admitted to internationally renowned music academies - an achievement that left everyone astounded. This extraordinary success was attributed to the unwavering support from both Shandong Provincial and Qingdao Municipal governments. The delegation expressed their gratitude to all who have supported the project, confirming that their decision to choose China and Qingdao was an excellent one.

Mr. Wang Luming extended a warm welcome to the delegation. He highlighted that The Yehudi Menuhin School, renowned globally for its influential role in classical music education, has chosen Qingdao for its only overseas branch. This decision underscores Qingdao's growing international stature and cements its reputation as a cultural and educational hub. The school not only provides superior educational opportunities for Chinese and East Asian youth studying classical music, but also strengthens Qingdao's collaborations with the UK in various sectors including education, music, arts, culture, and diplomatic exchanges. Qingdao will persistently support The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, aspiring for it to emulate its UK counterpart as a “cradle for future musicians”.

On June 8th, Jiang Yuanshao, Deputy Secretary of the Qingdao Municipal Education Work Committee and Director of the Qingdao Municipal Education Bureau, also received the delegation. Expressing appreciation on behalf of The Yehudi Menuhin School, Headmaster Benjamin David Gudgeon thanked the Qingdao education authorities for their invaluable support and assistance in the smooth initiation and ongoing operation of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao. Mr. Jiang Yuanshao indicated that The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao is a significant accomplishment in the city's international educational collaboration. It addresses the absence of an international professional music school in the “Island of Music”. The Qingdao Municipal Education Bureau will continue to steadfastly support the school's goal of becoming an illustrious global institution.