Youth orchestra sets the tone

Internationally celebrated cellist Wang Jian played Reflet d'un temps disparu with the orchestra during the concert in Verbier. He toured with the Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra in 2017 when the orchestra made its critically acclaimed Asia-Pacific tour and in 2018, when the orchestra toured Europe.

"The music piece is one of the most performed works by a composer from China and, orchestrally, it conjures some attractive and colorful scenery. The members of the Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra did a great job," says Wang. "I am very excited to witness the growth of the orchestra.

"I've performed at the Verbier Festival about seven times. This time I came here and played with a Chinese youth orchestra, which made me very happy and proud. The orchestra is committed and responsive. Though the members are mostly teenagers and are not music majors, they show great talent," he says. "They have received solid music training, which allows them to perform as a professional orchestra."

Chen Wenru, 15, who joined the Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra two years ago and plays oboe, says, "I had a great time as a member of the orchestra, though I am not sure if I will become a professional musician. Like many members of the orchestra, I have lots of interests. We may take different jobs, such as engineers, doctors, scientists and teachers, but we will enjoy music and be friends forever."

The Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra's concert at the Verbier Festival brought an end to the orchestra's latest tour of Europe. From July 21-24, the orchestra performed commemorative concerts in Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Spain and China.