U-Education Successfully Concludes 2023 Chinese-Austrian-German Youth Music Festival

In the summer vacation of 2023, U-Education's study tour and overseas study sector inaugurated a musical journey to Austria and Germany for Beijing Golden Sail Junior Orchestra. Over 100 teenagers took part in the ten-day-long 2023 Chinese-Austrian-German Youth Music Festival, a cultural exchange journey aimed at fostering connections. Throughout the event, these young participants bonded with locals through the universal language of music and had a vibrant and musically enriched summer vacation.

On the evening of July 26 (local time), Vienna welcomed the 2023 Chinese Youth Symphony Concert in MuTh, a modern concert hall. Over 100 young musicians from Beijing Golden Sail Youth Symphony Orchestra captivated the audience with a feast for the senses. These youthful performers ascended the stage to bring their Eastern culture and art to Austria, the birthplace of European classical music. While showcasing the elegance and vibrancy of Chinese youth, the orchestra also supported the exchanges between Chinese and Western arts and broadened the understanding of the musical world. Yu Feng, Counselor of the People's Republic of China in Austria, attended the concert, expressing high praise for the young performers from Beijing Golden Sail Youth Symphony Orchestra.

In preparation for Beijing Golden Sail Youth Symphony Orchestra's premiere international performance and in support of the first youth symphony orchestra presenting a unique overseas concert after the COVID-19 pandemic, U-Education's study tour and overseas study sector demonstrated its staunch backing. The staff members, with professional planning, meticulous organization, and thoughtful reception services ensured the event was a success.

Regina Wiala-Zimm, International Relations Officer of the Chief Executive Office of the City of Vienna, graced the event with her presence. Expressing her joy, she extended a hearty welcome to the young Chinese musicians engaging in performances in this capital of classical music. She was moved by their great musical prowess and deep passion for music. Furthermore, she voiced her wishes for the Chinese youngsters to enjoy an enriching journey and achieve success in their performances.

Hu Yang, Executive Principal of Beijing Golden Sail Youth Symphony Orchestra, noted: "The year 2023 signals the tenth anniversary of our orchestra's inception. As we reflect on the past decade, Austria and Germany, the hubs of classical music, were our first overseas destinations. Since then, we have embarked on tours across Europe, the Americas, Australia, and Africa, showcasing the performances presented by young Chinese musicians to international audiences. As we commemorate our tenth anniversary, we return to Vienna to deliver this exclusive symphony concert. Our heartfelt desire is to honor the spirit of classical music through our performances during this trip. We foresee this concert marking another significant chapter in our orchestra's history. Additionally, this European journey promises to bring joy to our young members, propelling their growth and accomplishments." To conclude his address, Hu articulated the Chinese teenagers' reverence for classical art in fluent German, eliciting admiration from the local Viennese audience.

A group photo of esteemed guests (Second from right: Yu Feng, Counselor of the People's Republic of China in Austria)

With an average age of just ten, the orchestra's young musicians each possess a lively, graceful and confident spirit shining on stage. Their concert repertoire spanned a wide range of both Chinese and Western classical compositions, including the second suite from The Girl from Arles (L'Arlésienne), the first suite from Peer Gynt, The Blue Danube (An der schönen blauen Donau), Dance of the People of Yao Ethnic Group, and the fourth movement from the Symphony No. 5 in C Minor. The audience marveled at the challenging musical pieces, skillful performances, and the orchestra's execution of these works. Earnest applause filled the venue, presenting the vibrant spirit and world-class musical talent of these Chinese teenagers. They earned recognition from audiences both locally and internationally.

Music is the universal language of mankind. The concert and the cultural exchange activity held by U-Education's study tour and overseas study sector originated in Austria, a globally celebrated center of music. This country is known for a group of top composers such as Franz Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Peter Schubert, and Johann Baptist Strauss II, and also Ludwig van Beethoven, a German native who made Austria his home. Such masters bequeathed invaluable heritage to mankind's collection of art. Through this remarkable concert, U-Education's study tour and overseas study sector set out to mentor children in exploring the cradle of classical music, connecting more profoundly with the global community. The stirring power of music has sparked new optimism amongst citizens of China and Austria while advancing art and cultural exchanges between the two countries, creating a brand-new platform for Chinese youth to march towards the rest of the world.

After the concert, U-Education's study tour and overseas study sector prepared a tailored seven-day-long study program in Austria and Germany for the orchestra members. This program included explorations of iconic landmarks such as Schönbrunn Palace, Melk, Dürnstein, and Heidelberg Castle. A cultural journey into Mozart's Residence, Beethoven Museum, Heidelberg University, and Goethe Museum further enriched their experiences, helping these teenage participants dive deep into musical cultures and expand their horizons.

Operating under the U-Tour with an emphasis on education, U-Education's study tour and overseas study sector has organized numerous large-scale music festivals. These events support a growing number of students to gain global recognition, broaden their understanding of the world through travel, and make progress in their chosen professional fields.

In the future, U-Education's study tour and overseas study sector plans to make good use of U-Tour's renowned strength in comprehensive outbound services. The sector's goal is to provide greater international cultural exchange opportunities in education and art to more teenagers, foster global cross-cultural exchanges and cooperation, and present an international stage for Chinese teenagers.