In the new academic year, every Wednesday from 12:50 to 13:20 becomes a specially marked time in every YMSQ student’s schedule. This is one of the new scenes for the new school year at YMSQ, marking the beginning of the weekly midday concerts. On September 6th, the second week after the new school year commenced, four students from different specialties took the stage. Whether comfortable and at ease or fully professional, they became the first performers in this inaugural midday concert.

As stated by the deputy head, Mark Stringer, in his opening remarks: the tradition of the midday concert begins today and will continue into the future. From now on, every Wednesday, teachers and students will gather together. Every student will have the opportunity to perform, to appreciate each other, to encourage each other, and to grow together.

What is a midday concert? It is a tradition ingrained in the Menuhin ethos. Using the leisure time after lunch, it consists of small-scale musical performances and appreciation sessions, bringing vitality to the otherwise monotonous midday break. It allows every child embraced by music to enjoy the performances of others and to be appreciated themselves, letting each student’s artistic light shine effortlessly.

YMSQ encourages and provides various opportunities for students to perform publicly, helping them accumulate stage experience. Following the performance classes every Monday, regular charity music concerts, and solo or featured concerts, YMSQ now inherits the tradition of the "Midday Concert" from The Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK. Starting this academic year, the weekly midday concerts are officially launched. Under the guidance of teachers, students independently choose their pieces, voluntarily apply, and freely form groups for public performances, showcasing various musical forms and styles.

The midday concerts, compared to more formal concerts, are relaxed and comfortable, yet the students approach their performances with seriousness and their appreciation with enthusiasm. This is not only a stage to showcase art but also to cultivate initiative, motivation, and organizational skills. For the audience, they are still required to strictly adhere to concert etiquette and learn to appreciate their peers' performances, enhancing their musical appreciation skills and collectively progressing by learning from each other.

A little spoiler: the upcoming midday concerts at YMSQ won't be confined to the music hall. The stage for the midday concert can be anywhere – it could be the sun-drenched main atrium, the Sky Rectal Room overlooking the sea, the sunken courtyard in front of the dining hall, or the verdant Music & Sports Arena. Different stages will bring different feelings and experiences to both performers and audience, presenting the artistic expression of music in a more diversified manner.

Every Wednesday at midday, we’ll be waiting for you. Don't miss out!