On January 21, 2022, the sixth annual Youth Music Culture Guangdong (YMCG) hosted a gathering of musician friends for a virtual panel called 'Music Without Borders: Musicians and Music for the Present and the Future,' led by host Zhai Jia.

With renowned guests joining from four cities across the world – Yo-Yo Ma in Boston; Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra (GSO) Music Director and Chairman of the YMCG Artistic Committee Long Yu in a quarantine hotel; celebrated conductor Michael Stern in Kansas City; and members of the YMCG Orchestra, GSO President Mr Chen Qing, conductor Jing Huan, and others in Guangzhou – the discussion centres around the meaning of music creation, performance, and listening.

The three Maestros – Yo-Yo Ma, Long Yu, and Michael Stern – share their necessary shifts in thought during the pandemic and the hope they see for the future. They discuss how events like YMCG elevate music to amplify it on a cultural level. The panel also features three performances by the GSO Brilliant Brass Quintet; Shanghai Quartet; and Mr. Chen Qing with former participants of YMCG.

The discussion was part of the 2022 YMCG – presented by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province together with the GSO and Xinghai Concert Hall – which included eight days of online and in-person events such as symphonic and chamber music concerts, masterclasses, and additional community performances.

Watch 'Music Without Borders'

Find out more about Youth Music Culture Guangdong here: ymcgchina.com