Students perform during Prof. Christoph Campestrini’s masterclass at the Pingshan Theater on Dec. 17. Photos from Pingshan Media Center and Pingshan Theater

Renowned Austrian conductor Prof. Christoph Campestrini gave a masterclass to primary school orchestras in Pingshan District on Dec. 17 as part of the China Youth & Children’s Orchestra Development Program in 2024.

Students from the wind and string orchestras of Kengzi Center Primary School and Pingshan Center Primary School performed Chinese folk and Western classical pieces during the masterclass. Under Prof. Campestrini’s guidance, the students captured the distinct styles of the pieces, earning applause from the audience.

Prof. Christoph Campestrini conducts a student orchestra at the Pingshan Theater on Dec. 17. 

After each piece was performed, Prof. Campestrini provided the students with feedback and praised their skills. He also provided advice for the future development of the school orchestras. 

“It’s wonderful that so many students are studying instruments and playing together in orchestras. Music is the most important language and it is the language of the soul,” Prof. Campestrini said. He expressed his desire for a long-term collaboration with Pingshan, saying “Shenzhen is such a beautiful southern city with sunshine and warmth. I feel the same beauty in the music created here.”

Prof. Christoph Campestrini (C) poses for a photo with students holding their masterclass certificates.

Some students commented on Prof. Campestrini's humor during the masterclass, as he used his expertise and rich experiences to help them overcome challenges. The students felt confidence in their improvement and aspirations to become great musicians in the future.

With high-quality cultural facilities and diverse activities, Pingshan District has hosted several masterclasses in recent years, featuring both domestic and international musicians, including Spanish tenor José Carreras, South Korean soprano Sumi Jo, and Chinese tenor Shi Yijie, thereby connecting Pingshan to the world.

Spanish tenor José Carreras (C) in a concert at the Pingshan Theater in July 2023.

South Korean soprano Sumi Jo (3rd L) performs at the Pingshan Theater in May 2024.

Chinese tenor Shi Yijie (L) conducts a masterclass at the Pingshan Theater in June 2022.