On June 10th, after a gentle shower, the sky cleared to a refreshing and splendid day. The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao held its inaugural graduation ceremony and concert at the Menuhin Hall with grandeur and fanfare.
Distinguished attendees included Headmaster of The Yehudi Menuhin School Benjamin David Gudgeon, Music Director for both schools Ashley Jonathan Wass, President of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao Lu Siqing, Head of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao Zheng Ran and Deputy Head Mark Stringer. They, along with the entire faculty and student body, attended the event in formal attire.
The ceremony was initiated with the harmonious sound of a violin ensemble performing Waltz. Mark Stringer, speaking on behalf of the school, offered his heartfelt blessings to the pioneering graduates, specifically to student Hou Chengyi who had been admitted to the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus. He reaffirmed that The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao is committed to upholding the same core values as the UK school, striving to become one of the top professional music schools worldwide.
Next, younger students returned to the stage to present Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance March as a musical tribute to Hou Chengyi, signifying his new journey ahead. Accompanied by this symphony, president Lu Siqing personally presented the first-ever graduation certificate of The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao to Hou Chengyi, encouraging him to continue adhering to the learning spirit he embodied at the school and to achieve greater accomplishments in his future studies.
(Photo: Hou Chengyi performing in an ensemble with a classmate)
During his address, Benjamin pointed out that an analogous event—a joint graduation ceremony and concert—occurs annually at their school in the UK. This will become a shared tradition among both institutions. He further expounded on the cardinal values that have steered The Yehudi Menuhin School for over six decades: Integrity, Community, Intellectual Curiosity, Kindness, and the Pursuit of Excellence.
In the following solo performance segment, Hou Chengyi delivered a carefully curated selection for his instructors and classmates: the vibrant Sonata in B flat Major by Mozart and the well-known, impassioned composition of Saint-Saëns, the Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso. The harmonious interplay of violin and piano crafted a captivating, dynamic melody. With this exceptional performance, Hou Chengyi beautifully concluded his secondary school journey, leaving a resounding echo of a poignant musical chapter in The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao.
Delivering his valedictory address, Hou Chengyi reflected, “To me, my educational journey at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao has been an extraordinary voyage. I recognize my study here was brief, but I can state with utmost confidence that the knowledge I have gained and the experiences I have encountered here are unrivaled compared to any other institution.” He voiced his pride in being an alumnus of the school and extended heartfelt appreciation to his mentors, peers, and everyone who has played a role in his development at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao.
Music, lights, applause—all combined to infuse a sense of solemnity to the graduation ceremony. Flowers, handshakes, group photographs, and embraces—each captured and crystallized this remarkable milestone. Messages of farewell, blessings, promises—all these set the stage for the graduates' future endeavors. The Menuhin-style graduation ceremony will also evolve into a tradition at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, allowing every graduate to bid a dignified adieu to their adolescence, leave behind a memorable musical performance, and venture onto the world's grander stage, armed with the principles, purpose, bravery, and spirit instilled by The Yehudi Menuhin School.
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