Tsinghua music camp forges bonds

In a small backstage room, the air is buzzing with a mix of excitement and nervous energy as teenagers from Beijing and Hong Kong prepare to give a joint concert as part of the Beijing-Hong Kong Students Tsinghua Summer Music Camp. The room is scattered with sheets of music, instruments, and personal belongings. Dressed in concert attire, the teens exchange last-minute tips and encouragement. Some practice, or adjust their instruments, while others chat animatedly to release tension.

At 7 pm, the concert at Mong Man Wai Concert Hall in Tsinghua University starts.

During the performance, which took place last Friday, the conductorless string ensemble performed famous Chinese and classical pieces, among them Zhang Jingping's Celebration of a Bumper Harvest and Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K 525, with the aim of demonstrating the students' musical talent, and celebrating the harmony resulting from their collaborative effort.

"The anticipation is almost tangible. I am happy to see these young people celebrating music and cultural exchange, creating a tapestry of youthful excitement with their different backgrounds and vibrant personalities," says well-known violinist Lyu Siqing, who is artistic director of the camp.

In addition to Beijing, the students also gave a joint concert at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology on Sunday.

Lyu, who is known for his exquisite technique and musical insight, performed the Chinese classic violin concerto, Butterfly Lovers, by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang.

"Though I have played it many times, this time it was different, as it was brought to life not only by me, but also by these young, talented musicians," says Lyu.

"This is the ultimate reward," he adds. "Seeing these young musicians come together, learn from each other, and perform with such passion — it's what makes mentoring so fulfilling."

Between Aug 13 and 19, the camp brought together 27 students from Beijing and Hong Kong, and for the teenagers, Lyu's mentorship has been transformative.

"I joined this music camp because of him. He's not just teaching us how to play better. He's showing us how music can connect and deliver emotion," says 16-year-old Wong Ching-ho from Hong Kong, who has been playing violin since he was 3.

Wong adds that he visited Beijing and Shanghai as a tourist when he was a child. This time, he stayed in Beijing, sharing a dorm with other teenagers, rehearsing and visiting popular sites around the capital.

"It's more than just music that we created together. I made new friends and we will keep in touch," he says.

Angela Pei Tsz-hin, 13, is also a violinist from Hong Kong. Speaking fluent Mandarin, she says that she grew up speaking both Cantonese and Mandarin, as her father is from Tangshan in Hebei province.

"I often travel back to the Chinese mainland, but this is the first time I've been part of the music camp, living and playing music with people of my age," says Angela.

"When we first came together, there were moments of discord," she continues. "But through practice and encouragement from Lyu, and from one another, we've learned to harmonize musically. When we stepped on the stage, we all felt proud since we had done something great together."

The music camp began in 2023. It is the brainchild of Wallace Lee, a 22-year-old Hong Kong native and a talented violinist. A graduate of Tsinghua's School of Social Sciences, Lee was first violinist in the university symphony orchestra in 2021. He also launched the organization, Xin Tsing Friends, which deepens cultural bonds and unity between young people from Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

"When I studied at Tsinghua University, I lived with three other students in the dorm. They came from different parts of the Chinese mainland. They taught me how to ride a bike, and I visited their hometowns," says Lee, noting that he wants to use music as a universal language, to connect young people with their roots, and promote mutual understanding.

"During the summer camp, we rehearsed Chinese music, especially pieces inspired by folk music. For students from Hong Kong, it was a fresh and interesting experience," says Lee. "We shared experiences under Lyu's mentorship, and have forged a strong bond that transcends regional boundaries."