"The young people remind me of my experience of performing in a youth symphony orchestra when I was a student," says Li Zhe, the concertmaster of the China NCPA Orchestra. "Unlike professional musicians who spend hours every day together to do rehearsals and perform onstage, these young people face great challenges because they perform together as a new symphony orchestra. What they need to do is to listen to one another and learn to work as a team.

"They practice hours at home alone, which may bring them great technique. But when they perform together, they need to follow the conductor and work with other musicians in their sections with one shared goal of producing harmonious sounds," says Li. "For this upcoming concert, they represent Chinese youth, which will broaden their perspective, enable them to meet new friends from around the world and nurture a lifelong appreciation for cultural diversity."

Tan Chai Suang, the associate principal French horn player with the China NCPA Orchestra, says, "Being part of a symphony orchestra teaches children the value of teamwork, collaboration and discipline. They learn to listen to others, follow instructions from conductors and contribute to the collective effort of creating music, fostering empathy and social skills.

"The rehearsals also allow these young people to be exposed to music works that they may have never performed before."