Asia-UK Cultural Exchange

Messages

Lord Mayor of Birmingham

“It will be my great pleasure to welcome the young

musicians from our sister cities to Birmingham; where they will be performing at Symphony Hall and Bradshaw Hall, meeting the City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Orchestra members and other young people to play music together and forge future friendships.“

I look forward to hearing them play and enjoying the undoubted excellence of their performances.

Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE

Lord Mayor of Birmingham

Stephen Maddock OBE

Principal, BCU Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome the international young musicians to Birmingham this summer. Birmingham is rightly proud of its relationships with Asia, and during my time running the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, I organised concerts in many Asian countries. And here at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, we have very strong relationships with a range of Asian partners, welcoming a large cohort of students each year to study here in Britain's most musical and friendliest city. I look forward to meeting these musicians in July and hearing them play here at RBC.”

Stephen Maddock OBE

Principal, BCU Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Emma Stenning

Chief Executive

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

“At the CBSO, we are proud to place young people at the heart of our work. nurturing their potential, championing creativity, and opening doors to meaningful cultural exchange. The China–UK Cultural Exchange Programme reflects these values brilliantly, bringing together exceptional young musicians from both countries to learn, collaborate, and perform side by side. Initiatives like this not only enrich musical education, but also lay the foundations for greater global understanding. We are delighted to support the commissioning of new music as part of this programme, giving young artists the opportunity to be part of something truly original and lasting. Wishing all performers a joyful and inspiring Side-by-Side Day — may this be the first of many powerful collaborations to come. “

Dr Keith Bradshaw OBE,

FRSA Entrepreneur,

Philanthropist Bradshaw Hall Benefactor

“These initiatives highlight the love of music, which knows no international boundaries, and in an uncertain world creates opportunities for people from different parts of the world to get to know each other, which is more and more desirable. “

Tasmin Little CBE

Renowned British Violinist

Music Educator

“What a wonderful and inspiring series of events on display for this inaugural China-UK Cultural Exchange Programme! I have no doubt that both audiences and participants will take away truly exceptional memories and experiences of this inspiring exchange. I remember my very first visit to China in 1982, when I was a student at the Yehudi Menuhin School; I participated in a cultural exchange of concerts in Beijing and Shanghai, an experience that I never forgot and one which shaped my life. I am excited to witness this developing cultural relationship and look forward to attending the lunchtime concert in London’s beautiful venue of St Martin-in-the-Fields.”

John Rink

Professor of Music University of Cambridge

“The China–UK Cultural Exchange Programme will offer invaluable experiences of all kinds to those taking part in this inspired initiative. Not only will the musical and personal horizons of the participants be expanded in altogether new ways, but the contacts they make promise to be life-changing. I have often observed how enlightening it can be for young people to encounter other cultures as well as different approaches to music making and to learning more generally. I wish all those involved in the programme much joy of discovery and every success in the adventures that lie ahead. “

Pablo Ettinger

Chair, Asia-UK Cultural Exchange Programme

Co-founder of Caffè Nero

Director, Ettinger London

“As an entrepreneur and lifelong supporter of the arts, I believe deeply in the power of cultural exchange to inspire new thinking and unite communities. The China–UK Cultural Exchange Programme represents exactly the kind of forward-looking collaboration we need today, where creativity, excellence, and friendship transcend borders. By empowering young musicians to learn and grow together, we are investing not only in the next generation of artists but in a more open, connected, and compassionate world.”

Dr. Jayne Cadbury MBE

Philanthropist and Patron of the Arts

“I am delighted to support the China-UK Cultural Exchange programme. The performances by the large group of young, talented musicians will be culturally enriching both for the performers and all of us who are lucky enough to listen to them. The joint activities between our visitors and our own British musicians will be extremely valuable for both groups. The selection of prestigious venues will create exceptional opportunities for a large number of talented musicians. The love of music unites us all.”

Email: info@weculturalexchange.com