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(From L) Martin Engstroem, Hervé Boissière, Michael Fuller, Yan Huichang and Lio Kuokman during the seminar at the Shenzhen Library on Feb. 2. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Concert Hall
Nearly 50 scholars and representatives from the classical music circle in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area gathered Monday afternoon at the Shenzhen Library for a seminar on music education. The event attracted an audience of around 200 music enthusiasts, students, and parents.
Attendees included management of the Verbier Festival, as well as representatives from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music (SCM), SUSTech, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) School of Music, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Technology University, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPO), the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO), the Macao Orchestra, the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, and the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra.
Martin Engstroem, founder and co-CEO of the Verbier Festival, noted that superb technique alone no longer distinguishes outstanding musicians today. “The real gap lies in their unique personality, passion for music, and their access to a supportive professional network,” he stated. He explained that the Verbier Festival not only provides performance opportunities for emerging talent but also helps them connect with orchestra and theater managers, agents, and record company executives.
Renowned Chinese composer Ye Xiaogang, dean of the CUHK-Shenzhen School of Music, shared his perspective on music education. “Young musicians need to connect with their cultural roots while learning from other cultures,” he said. “With an international vision yet grounded in Chinese culture, such musicians can create uniquely Chinese works that still resonate with international audiences.” He echoed Engstroem’s sentiment, agreeing that “authentic emotions and a care for humanity, conveyed through a work or performance,” are what truly move listeners.
Around 200 music enthusiasts, students, and parents attend the seminar.
Engstroem further elaborated that the Verbier Festival aims to create an ecosystem and platform where musicians can learn and draw inspiration from one another.
Hervé Boissière, also co-CEO of the Verbier Festival, added that the festival is a long-term commitment and platform centered on a shared passion for music. “Digital technology and the internet hold significant value in today’s world,” he said. “When a concert is livestreamed globally, it offers young musicians unprecedented exposure and an opportunity to connect with new audiences.”
Michael Fuller, tour director for the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra (VFCO), emphasized the value of international tours for a young musician’s growth. “During these tours, you get to meet maestros like Zubin Mehta and Riccardo Chailly and collaborate with star soloists, which can be incredibly inspiring and clarify your vision of what you are striving for,” Fuller shared.
Scholars and representatives from the classical music circle in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area pose for a group photo after the seminar.
Lio Kuokman, a conductor with the HKPO, affirmed the invaluable experience of attending music festivals. “It’s not just about meeting established maestros,” he noted. “More importantly, you learn from and are inspired by your peers. The young musicians you rehearse with today may become your colleagues at the Met Opera tomorrow, and friends for life. Festivals foster these long-term relationships.”
Stephen McHolm, director of the Verbier Festival Academy, encouraged music students to explore diverse career paths. “There are only a limited number of star soloist positions,” he remarked. “You can explore other possibilities, such as playing in orchestras or chamber music groups.”
Other speakers at the seminar included HKCO artistic director Yan Huichang, VFCO artistic director Gábor Takács-Nagy, HKPO executive Bernhard Fleischer, and SCM official Zhu Dandan, who all shared their insights and experiences on music education.
The seminar was a sideline event of the Verbier Festival Shenzhen, held from Jan. 30 to Feb. 8.
