Strategic partnership leads to orchestra’s first trip to China

An orchestra from the School of Music travels to China this month to perform alongside students from the College of Arts of Xiamen University.

This tour comes three months after musicians and dancers from Xiamen University visited Cardiff, performing in a concert shared with the School's Chamber Choir.

Spending nine days in Xiamen, students will undertake a tour of the host University, attend classes in Chinese language and culture – including a session on kung fu – and spend time rehearsing with students from Xiamen University.

The pinnacle of the trip is an evening concert at the Art College of Xiamen University which will see students from both institutions play alongside each other in a collaborative orchestral performance.

Head of School, Professor Kenneth Hamilton says of the trip: “The Chinese delegation that visited us in November celebrated our partnership with Xiamen University and clearly showed us the benefits of international collaboration. I’m delighted we shall now be returning the visit, and hope these two events will mark the beginning of a regular exchange of music students and faculty between Cardiff and Xiamen!”

In addition to the student performances and cultural visits, Professor Hamilton will be the soloist in a performance of Beethoven’s 4th Concerto, and deliver a piano masterclass, while orchestra conductor Mark Eager will lead a conducting workshop.