An instrumental partnership

"Our mission is to foster a vital channel for talent development among music academies from different countries, so as to facilitate cultural exchange and, in the process of nurturing talent, allow young people around the world to have access to high-quality education and bigger stages," Wang says.

In 2019, also in collaboration with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the league launched the China International Music Competition centered on piano skills. Wang believes that the piano and the violin are two vital majors that reflect the teaching qualities of music academies.

These competitions also serve as a platform for music academies to discuss different educational methods, share their experience of talent cultivation, and explore a more effectively developed set of methodologies.

Ryan Fleur, executive director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, says that both the 2019 and the current competitions feature an outstanding jury and strong candidates, and the league's competitions will continue to be a foundation for future collaboration.

"In addition, we've had discussions about having some of the Chinese musicians travel to Philadelphia, so that, whether it's a Lunar New Year concert or some other special event, they can play in our home venue side by side with musicians of the Philadelphia Orchestra," Fleur says.

He adds that the Philadelphia Orchestra would like to provide opportunities to further the growth of musicians who, after returning to China, can help raise the level of Chinese artistry.

According to Wang, the league has reached an agreement with the orchestra that every five years, the pair will co-host concerts celebrating the anniversary of the orchestra's visit to China, which will take place alternately in the US and China.

"I believe that the collaboration between our Global Music Education League and the Philadelphia Orchestra holds great promise in various aspects, including music education, talent cultivation and cultural exchange, and will become more splendid in the future," Wang says.

Contact the writer at chengyuezhu@chinadaily.com.cn