A visit to the UK this year by young Chinese musicians has helped promote mutual cultural understanding between the two countries.

Student musicians from Nanjing No 1 Middle School Orchestra and Guangdong Experimental High School Chinese Traditional Orchestra performed in Birmingham and London in mid-July, as part of the first edition of the UK–China Sister Cities Cultural Exchange Programme.

In Birmingham, they performed works during an opening event at the city’s council building demonstrating traditional Chinese music and instruments including A Rose for You, Dry Boat Dance, Birds Flying to the Forest and Horseracing.

One highlight of the event was renowned Chinese conductor Bian Zushan, together with the young musicians, presenting Dragon Dance, the third chapter of the Symphony of East and West. Chinese percussionist Chen Zuohui led the orchestra on drums playing folk music from China’s Chaozhou region titled Festival Celebration, while the Guangdong school orchestra performed My Country and Fond Memories of Youth. The students introduced each piece of music in English, showing their enthusiasm for the cultural exchange.

In addition, young Chinese musicians collaborated with Birmingham’s youth orchestra, the sister ensemble of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Their rendition won a round of applause from the audience, which included people from the education and cultural sectors.

In London, they performed a concert at St Martin in the Fields, combining traditional Chinese music with contemporary works. Classical folk music from Guangdong province and the Chaozhou region, including Birds Flying to the Forest, Bright Moon, Jing Chun Luo and Thrush Dancing on a Twig, was well-received by the audience.

The events, hosted by Birmingham City Council and organized by Di Xiao, founder and art director of the program, aimed to connect young people from China and the UK through music and cultivate friendship.