On the evening of 19 July 2024, the Vienna Musikverein Symphony Concert captivated the audience with its spectacular performances. Thirteen students of the YCYW String Orchestra performed "Eine kleine Nachtmusik", paying tribute to Mozart. Their rendition deeply moved the audience. Two days earlier, these talented YCYW students received warm applause at the Budapest Operetta Theater in Hungary, where they performed the Hungarian folk piece "Hungarian Dance" at the 2024 Hungarian Youth International Concert.

These performances marked the international debut of the YCYW String Orchestra. The thirteen members of the orchestra are from YCIS Hong Kong, YCIS Shanghai, YWIES Shanghai Lingang, YCIS Beijing, and YWIES Beijing Yizhuang. The students are in Years 3 to 8, and the youngest performer is only 9 years old.

The 2024 Vienna Musikverein Symphony Concert and the 2024 Hungarian Youth International Concert, both organised by the Europäischer Musikerverein and the Franz Schubert Conservatory in Vienna attracted many music lovers. The wonderful performances showcased the remarkable achievements of Chinese teenagers in music, and promoted the exchange and integration of Chinese and Western music cultures. Prominent media outlets such as People's Daily Online and Xinhua Net covered the events, praising the performances of the YCYW students.

Ms Josephine Lo, YCYW's Head of Creative Arts Division & Head of Institutional Advancement Office, remarked, "Our past exchange activities in the arts have primarily involved interactions among our sister schools, such as the annual Seeds of Hope Concert and the Drama Festival. These events provide students from different campuses with opportunities to collaborate and perform together through music and drama. This is the first time the YCYW String Orchestra has performed on an international stage."

The success of the performance was the result of the combined efforts of performers from the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong SAR. On 14 July, all the participants gathered in Shanghai for their first rehearsal. Achieving coordination in such a short time was challenging, but the students committed fully to their practice to synchronise their performances. In Hungary, on the morning of the concert, the string orchestra had a final rehearsal at the hotel. Guided by their teachers, the students refined their skills to reach their potential. Ultimately, the students delivered excellent performances in both Hungary and Austria.

The string orchestra teachers carefully chose two significant pieces of music for the students to perform. Inspired by Hungarian themes, "Hungarian Dance," is a dance piece by Romantic era German composer Johannes Brahms; "Eine kleine Nachtmusik" was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who lived in Vienna. Ms Lo explained, "We selected these pieces to help students connect their performances with local cultural traditions, enhancing their experience and understanding of this music tour."

Music plays a crucial role in YCYW education. Students have numerous opportunities to explore and appreciate music and the arts. The Austro-Hungarian music tour offered students a unique chance to perform alongside professional musicians. At the 2024 Vienna Musikverein Symphony Concert, all performances were accompanied by Wien Klang Sinfonietta.

When choosing the players for this performance, the string orchestra teachers prioritised the performers' potential over their stage experience. Matthew from YCIS Beijing Yizhuang, the Concertmaster of the string orchestra, is a perfect example of a "hidden star" that is ready to shine.

This was Matthew's first time stepping into the role of Concertmaster. He shared his thoughts about the experience: "I am honoured to be part of this event. I have always loved the violin, and my father, mother, and teachers have always supported and encouraged me. I was both excited and nervous to be chosen as the Concertmaster of the orchestra. I have much to learn and improve upon, and I was longing to perform at the Musikverein. When I walked on stage and was dazzled by the hall's bright lights, I felt as though I had achieved my first musical dream, though I know it's just the beginning."

Matthew expressed his excitement , "I would like to express my gratitude to Maestro Alexey Mikhaylenko, the internationally renowned conductor, for shaking my hand in such a friendly manner. I was thrilled!" He added, "This gesture was a huge encouragement for me, and I am determined to work hard."

As representatives of Chinese youth performing at an international music event, the students of the YCYW String Orchestra gained unforgettable memories and great inspiration.

Adele, YWIES  Beijing Yizhuang

"I feel the beauty of music and the greatness of artistic creation, thoroughly enjoying every moment here. I believe I performed my best and finished the performance  in the best form."

Jersey, YCIS Beijing Yizhuang

"I'm especially happy to have my father and my mother here with me, to have rehearsed the performance with my sister, and to perform in the Musikverein. These experiences have been truly memorable for me. I'll continue to work even harder."

Parents also praised this musical tour.

Ms Lily, Mother of Paul, YWIES Shanghai Lingang

"As a parent, I am incredibly proud and delighted to see my child perform at the Musikverein and the Budapest Operetta Theater along with the other YCYW students. This experience has been a remarkable opportunity for my child to grow on the world stage. I am grateful to the school for providing such a valuable platform where our children could shine, personally experience the beauty of art, and broaden their horizons, while also boosting their self-confidence. I also want to thank the teachers for their care and dedication, which made us parents feel at ease, and provided our children with a nurturing environment. This kind of educational activity truly demonstrates the essence of YCYW's commitment to holistic education and the value of cultivating a humanistic approach."

In addition to their two days of performances, the students participated in a Hungarian master class to learn about local folk music and unique musical instruments. In Vienna, a city renowned for its culture and art, the students visited iconic landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera, the Princess Sisi Museum, the Austrian National Library, and the Albertina Museum, immersing themselves in the city's rich cultural environment. At the interactive Vienna House of Music Museum, the students learned about music through games, experienced the role of a conductor, and examined original manuscripts of classical composers such as Richard Strauss.

YCYW is dedicated to offering a well-rounded and balanced education for every student, Arts playing a crucial role in fostering their holistic development. Ms Josephine Lo explained, "Music can be both an individual pursuit, facilitating personal growth and relaxation, and a collective activity. In an ensemble, students must harmonise their individual voices, listen to one another, and work together to perform a piece cohesively. The sense of accomplishment after a performance, along with the appreciation and recognition from the audience, serve as powerful motivators for students to continue their musical journeys." This summarises the purpose and significance of organising such exchanges.