At the start of the new year, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao has once again expanded its distinguished faculty. Renowned violist, conductor and educator Professor He Rong has officially joined the school, serving as Orchestra Conductor and Viola Professor.

At The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, chamber music and orchestra education are not merely elective or supplementary courses—they form the core of the curriculum. Through systematic ensemble training, frequent stage practice, and in-depth study of repertoire, the school focuses on cultivating students' collaborative spirit, listening skills, and comprehensive musicianship. This approach ensures that future musicians not only possess outstanding solo skills, but also develop the ability to convey emotion and shape music in collaboration with others.

With Professor He Rong joining The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, his profound professional expertise and extensive educational experience will further elevate the artistic standards and international vision of the school's chamber music and orchestra program.

Moreover, Professor He Rong's addition will further advance the in-depth development of the viola department at our school. The viola plays a pivotal role in the orchestra, serving as a true "soul of the middle register." It possesses rich artistic expressiveness, capable of performing deeply introspective melodies while also supporting grand harmonic structures. As such, the viola major not only offers significant advantages for further studies, but also enjoys sustained demand from top-tier music institutions and professional orchestras worldwide for highly skilled viola talents.

This professional value has been fully demonstrated by Wang Weikuan, a graduate of our Class of 2025. With dual majors in violin and viola, he was admitted to The Juilliard School in the United States with a substantial scholarship. After entering university, he competed in the highly competitive Viola Concerto Competition and, as the only freshman, advanced to the finals and won second place.