Setting the record straight

"Being a part of this project in China has been an incredible opportunity in my life. This is a highlight of my musical career because the scores have found the place where they belong," she says.

"The Canton International Summer Music Academy has trained many young musicians, many of whom have grown into professional musicians today. The library is an expansion of our long friendship and the music scores donated by her (Juillet) will benefit more young musicians and music lovers," says Yu.

On Dec 22, Dutoit performed with the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, with music works including Gabriel Faure's Pelleas et Melisande Suite, Op 80, Franz Liszt's Piano Concerto No 2 in A Major, S 125, and Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No 9 in E Minor, Op 95, From the New World. Young pianist Wang Yalun, born in 2004, was featured during the concert.

"This is my 35th time in China and I return to this country almost every year," says the conductor, 87, who was appointed principal conductor of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra from 1977 to 2002. "I saw some young Chinese conductors coming to our rehearsals, which was great. It's nice to see them. I love coming here to share my experience, such as how to rehearse with the orchestra."

According to Chen Qing, president of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, these valuable music scores have been cataloged and stored according to library management standards. People need to make an appointment to access the library, and the reservation channel will soon be announced through the official platforms of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra. The library will also develop online access capabilities and will also digitalize all the music scores, which will promote music education in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond.