Following Maestro Yehudi Menuhin’s philosophy of nurturing students through performances and hands-on experiences, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao (YMSQ) places great emphasis on stage practice and encourages students to participate in competitions both in China and abroad. This article highlights some recent achievements by YMSQ students across various disciplines, as they shine on international stages, demonstrating both their artistic excellence and collecting multiple awards along the way.
1st China·Wieniawski International Youth Violin Competition: Luo Yichen (8th grade, violin) received the Special Jury Prize in the junior violin division. (Teacher: Tymur Melnyk)
Wang Weikuan (12th grade) won awards in both violin and viola, excelling in two instruments simultaneously—violin as his major and viola as his second study.
6th Place in the Youth Violin Division (Teacher: Tymur Melnyk)
1st Place in the Youth Viola Division (Teacher: Cai Lei)
China·Wieniawski International Youth Strings Competition, originating from the prestigious Henryk Wieniawski International Violin Competition in Poland, has received approval and support from the Wieniawski Music Society of Poland. This competition is being held in China for the first time, organized by the China Musical Instrument Association, providing a platform for young talents to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Winning both violin and viola awards in the same competition is a rare achievement! How did Wang Weikuan manage to excel in two instruments simultaneously? What is his secret to such remarkable success?
"I have a deep passion for both the violin and viola—though distinct, they complement each other. I’ve realized that mastering a piece requires not only time but also thoughtful reflection. At The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, I’ve been fortunate to pursue both instruments. The school offers secondary studies outside of our primary focus, allowing me to balance learning both and test my progress through competitions. In preparation for this competition, Professors Cai Lei and Tymur Melnyk gave me tremendous support and the courage to take on this challenge. They provided guidance throughout, and even came to the competition venue to cheer me on. Teachers Teng Bo and Wang Yi also helped by simulating competition conditions and providing performance coaching. Winning the viola award was a wonderful surprise, though my violin performance still leaves room for improvement. I will continue working hard, striving to balance my time and energy between both instruments. I am also excited about applying to universities with the goal of pursuing both violin and viola as my primary majors."
——Wang Weikuan
25th Osaka International Music Competition: Niu Haozheng (8th grade, cello) was awarded 2nd Prize in the Strings Junior Division. (Teacher: Yu Mingqing)
The Osaka International Music Competition was founded in 1999 by Kitano Yoko and is organized by the Osaka International Music Promotion Association. It is one of the internationally recognized music competitions held in Japan, attracting renowned musicians, performers, and composers to serve as jury chairs over the years. The competition is committed to promoting world peace and mutual understanding through music, aiming to transmit cultural and artistic values while discovering and nurturing outstanding young musicians worldwide.
ABRSM Piano Competition (China Finals): Dou Jinghua (4th grade, piano) won 1st Prize in the Children’s A Division. (Teacher: Wu Jialiang)
Held from October 3-5 at the ABRSM headquarters in London, this piano competition is part of the global ABRSM platform, one of the world’s most prestigious music examination bodies. Out of thousands of participants, only 30 finalists advanced to the last round, where Dou Jinghua delivered an exceptional performance, earning top honors.
This competition is the official event organized in China by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), the world’s largest and most authoritative music examination board. Notably, it marks the first global piano competition hosted by ABRSM in its 135-year history.
CYA Youth Arts Showcase “Supreme Award” (Woodwinds): Zhang Zimo (8th grade, bassoon) earned the Supreme Award. (Teacher: Li Lansong)
The Supreme Award evaluates participants across multiple dimensions, including technical proficiency, musical expression, and stage presence. It embodies the principle of selecting the most outstanding performers and serves as a high-level recognition of the participants' comprehensive artistic abilities and professional skills. This award reflects the Central Conservatory of Music’s Youth Arts Showcase's commitment to celebrating exceptional talent and overall artistic excellence among its participants.
Zhang Zimo also participated in the 2024 Youth Exchange Program in Singapore as part of the 34th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, earning an official certificate of recognition.
The significance of competitions and activities goes far beyond simply winning an award or completing a class—they offer valuable opportunities for personal growth. What specific benefits have you gained?
"Competing at a recent arts festival in Beijing helped me understand the areas I need to improve. During my trip to Singapore, I had the chance to study at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, which gave me a clearer sense of where I stand. I know now that I need to work even harder to raise my musical abilities to the next level."
——Zhang Zimo
From Beijing to London, Osaka, and Singapore, YMSQ students not only showcased their musical talents but also demonstrated their ability to adapt to different environments, climates, and time zones. These competitions test not just technical skill but also mental fortitude, resilience, and adaptability. A round of applause to all these young talents at the YMSQ for their remarkable achievements!