May at The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao is vibrant and colorful, filled with a series of enriching events. Let's take a closer look...

Professor Yang Li's Conducting and Choir Series

From May 23rd to 24th, Professor Yang Li from the Central Conservatory of Music, Principal Conductor of the Tianjin Symphony Orchestra, President and Artistic Director of the Beijing Philharmonic Choir, and Vice Chairman of the China Choral Association, visited our school. He conducted master classes in choir and conducting, sharing his expertise and leading students in a choir and conducting performance in the Grand Atrium of the school.

Conducting (elective) and choir (mandatory) courses are crucial components of our school's integrated "3+1+N" music curriculum. These continuous master classes in conducting and choir rehearsals offer a unique perspective, helping students to conceptualize music from a conductor's viewpoint and present it collaboratively for the best performance outcome.

As a key institution on the "Island of Music," The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao extends its platform and resources to more young music enthusiasts. Students and teachers from two friendly schools in Qingdao also participated in Professor Yang's classes, culminating in a joint choir performance by the choirs of all three schools.

Professor Zhang Zhao's Master Classes and Concerts

From May 25th to 26th, Guest Professor Zhang Zhao from The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, Professor at the Central University of Nationalities, and Distinguished Professor at the China Conservatory of Music, conducted three master classes at our school. The Keyboard Department also organized two concerts featuring his works, both of which were well-attended and highly praised.

On May 25th, the "Melodies of China" concert featuring Zhang Zhao's piano compositions took place in the Menuhin Hall. All pieces were selected from his collection Melodies of China: Playing Chinese Folk Songs on Piano, performed by 18 of our piano students, who received personal guidance from Professor Zhang. Their performances of these beloved folk songs were met with enthusiastic acclaim.

On May 26th, the concert "Searching for the Dao - Zhang Zhao Piano Works & Li Junjie Solo Recital" featured Zhang Zhao's original piano compositions, including the debut performances of "Youth Sonata" and the new version of "Snowflakes." Other works such as Suite No. 3, Nature No. 2, and Youth Sonata were also presented in their latest versions, marking significant premieres in the Menuhin Hall.

Additionally, in the lively month of May, violin/classical guitar seminars, cello seminars, and a series of in-school master classes were held. More details will be shared in our next update!