Just as most young people were looking forward to the October half term holiday, some of Wiltshire’s most committed and able young musicians set off for China.
The Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra (WSYO) had been invited to take part in a cultural exchange with schools in China, building on the links between the Wiltshire Education Authority and the Nanhai Bureau of Education in Guangdong province. On the tour the orchestra spent five days in Nanhai and three days in Hong Kong.
Just days before their departure, His Excellency Ambassador Liu Xiaoming sent a message of welcome. He said: “Young people are the future of our relations. I hope that the young people enjoy their visit and bring back something money can’t buy.”
Orchestra members spent time with Chinese families and visited Chinese schools, experiencing the culture of southern China as well as sharing British music with their hosts. They were touched by the warmth of the welcome. Pupils, staff and families were excellent hosts and our young people made many new friends in China.
The musical achievements of the tour were impressive. The orchestra performed three public concerts and two schools concerts to approximately 4000 audience members and fellow performers. These were of a very high standard and the variety of ensembles including traditional Chinese music and dance alongside western music, gave a special meaning to the performances.
- WSYO concert programme included:
- Reinecke - Flute Concerto - Soloist: Robert Looman, (principal flute of WSYO)
- Elgar - Pomp and Circumstance March No.4
- Vaughan Williams - Symphony No.5 (1st movement)
- Malcolm Arnold - Four Scottish Dances
- Arr Miles - Auld Lang Syne
- Arr Miles - Chrysanthemum Flower Bed
- Asian Games Official Song
In honour of the links with Nanhai schools, Alan Macrae, portfolio holder for schools, composed a piece of music to celebrate the life of martial arts guru and Chinese medic, Wong Fei Hung.
The impromptu music making was also very memorable. The way our young people were able to communicate with members the newly formed band in Shimen Experimental Middle school on aspects of embouchures and breathing without knowing a word of Chinese; English and Chinese young people beat-boxing together at Guicheng Middle school - young people communicating through an international language of youth culture.
This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for members of the orchestra to expand their horizons and experience so many new things. They were also able to develop their musical skills and understanding, to learn what it is to be a musician. The concerts were excellent and through music young people from opposite sides of the world were able to develop a deep understanding
|
Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra conducted by Peter Clark |
Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra performs the Asian Games Anthem with Nanhai singers |
|
Leader Harry Smith at the start of the Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra performance |
Harpist Bianca Watts with the harp kindly lent by the British Council in Guangzhou |
|
Councillor Alan MacRea addresses the audience at the Nanhai Opera Theatre |
Members of Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra in rehearsal with Nanhai singers |
|
A primary school Chinese Orchestra takes to the platform |
Last updated: 10 December 2010
Join us on Facebook
Join us on Twitter