On July 27, Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra (GSYO) concluded its four-city tour in Europe with a concert in the 30th anniversary celebration of the Verbier Festival in Switzerland. It is the first time that a Chinese symphony orchestra has been invited to attend the Festival.

Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra at the Verbier Festival (Photo provided to GDToday)

This is the third time for GSYO, whose members are aged 11 to 18, to visit Europe. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Spain, the Orchestra performed in Spain in Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona before visiting Switzerland.

Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra in Valencia (Photo provided to GDToday)

Conducted by its Music Director Jing Huan, GSYO worked with cellist Wang Jian to present programs with both Chinese and Western characteristics during the tour. The repertoire includedChinese composer Zhou Tian's "Metropolis" tailor-made for Guangzhou, "Reflet d'un temps disparu" by Chen Qigang, as well as Manuel De Falla's "Spanish Dance No. 1" and Suites No.1&2 from "The Three-Cornered Hat", and the concerts received standing ovations from audiences.

Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra in Madrid (Photo provided to GDToday)

Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra in Barcelona (Photo provided to GDToday)

After watching GSYO's performance in Valencia, Vicente Andreu, director of the Confucius Institute of the University of Valencia, pointed out that the concert wasa meeting of two different civilizations, and the applause of Spanish audiences demonstrated such cultural dialogue was approved.

Jose Luis Ramos Romo, Director General of programs and cultural activities of the Madrid City Council, was impressed by GSYO's concert as well. He noted that this was the first time he had listened to Chinese classical music works, which ignited his interest in that, and he hopes to have more chances to experience the charm of them.