We must not only cultivate great musicians but also open-minded, well-rounded individuals who contribute to universal harmony of mankind.

——Yehudi Menuhin

Echoing the philanthropic legacy upheld by Maestro Yehudi Menuhin and YMS for over six decades, YMSQ encourages students to actively engage with communities, schools, hospitals, and senior care centers so as to nurture the holistic development of future musicians.

On May 20th, nearly 30 faculty and pupils from YMSQ visited Taikang Community·Qinyuan Senior Living Community in Chengyang District, Qingdao. They presented a heartwarming "Love & Hope" charity concert for the community’s seniors, using music as a bridge for intergenerational dialogue and embodying the profound essence of holistic education through philanthropic practice.

Harmony Across Generations in Music

This "Love & Hope" concert wove emotional connections between generations through melody.

Intergenerational Dialogue Begins:

The concert opened with a female chorus from Taikang’s residents performing "Song of the Red Maple" and "Hawthorn Tree." Zhao Ming, an 88-year-old lyricist, reflected, "The children’s presence has given our songs vibrant new listeners."

Youthful Artistry: A Symphony of Skill and Kindness:

· Wang Xize, accompanied by staff pianist Song Jiayi, painted the vastness of grasslands through violin.

· Fu Wandi’s cello performance captivated seniors, some closing their eyes and nodding gently to the rhythm.

· Lu Yuzan and Zheng Hanzi’s violin duet mesmerized the audience with seamless harmony.

· Pan Jinyi’s piano solo impressed seniors: "Precise technique, full emotion—this young talent has great potential!"

· Classical guitar students Li Mingduojie, Li Minglun, Xi Chuanping, Sha Qianhao, and Xie Na delivered a guitar-ukulele ensemble, layering sounds like ocean waves. Seniors joined in soft singing.

· Sheng Zhijun, Liu Yinglu, and others performed wind ensemble classics, their lively rhythms inspiring the audience to clap along.

· Siena’s emotional solo in Romanian moved one senior to exclaim, "These children’s musicality is astonishing!"

Closing Reflections:

Taikang Community presented YMSQ pupils with Volunteer Service Certificates. “This certificate is light, but the responsibility is heavy,” said Zheng Hanzi in an interview. “I often wonder: What is music for? Today, a grandfather held my hand and said, ‘Your playing reminds me of running by the sea when I was young.’ In that moment, I understood—music is a gift of time, and we musicians are its carriers.”

Seniors at Qinyuan, deeply passionate about music, cherished not only the artistic experience but also the warmth the students brought. “Their skill is remarkable, and their music reminds us that art’s vitality is eternal. We hope they return often!” one resident beamed.

A Two-Way Journey of Community Philanthropy

On the concert day, Taikang Community·Qinyuan Senior Living Community officially unveiled the "Qinyun Hall" and the "Intergenerational Art Coexistence Practice Base." Beyond providing comfortable, humane living environments, the community prioritizes cultural enrichment and artistic healing through music. With support from YMSQ, Qinyun Hall serves as a dedicated space for cultural and spiritual nourishment. The Intergenerational Art Coexistence Practice Base will host long-term collaborations, including regular music workshops and cross-generational salons.

The philanthropic journey of Menuhin’s teachers and students continues, ever forward.