Gala Concert: UK–China, Sister Cities Cultural Exchange

Gala Concert: UK–China, Sister Cities Cultural Exchange
Guest Artists
Date and time
22 Jul 2025 6pm - 7.25pm
Location

The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, 200 Jennens Road, B4 7XR

Price

£8
Free under 18s

Booking Information

Wheelchair users are entitled to concessionary priced tickets with a complimentary companion seat.

Assistance dogs are welcome at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire venues. If you wish to bring an assistance dog or wheelchair, please let the Events Office know by calling 0121 331 5909.

Montage of Nanjing and Guangdong orchestras

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating music, talent, and international friendship at the Gala Concert of the UK–China Sister Cities Cultural Exchange Programme.

This grand finale marks the culmination of a week-long cultural celebration bringing together over 100 outstanding young musicians from Birmingham and its sister cities—Nanjing and Guangzhou. Featuring performances by the Nanjing Youth Orchestra, Guangzhou Traditional Chinese Orchestra, and RBC’s very own Summerleaze Quartet, the concert promises a vibrant mix of East and West, past and present.

Enjoy a unique programme blending Western classical favourites with the mesmerising sounds of traditional Chinese music. Highlights include two world premieres of specially commissioned works composed exclusively for this cultural exchange - symbols of unity through music.

Don’t miss this inspiring showcase of youthful artistry, cultural connection, and global collaboration.

Book your tickets now and witness the future of international music-making on stage.

6.00pm – Opening & Welcome
Including a short address from the Lord Mayor, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE

6.05 – 7.10pm – Gala Concert (no Interval)
Featuring full orchestral performances by both Nanjing and Guangdong ensembles

7.10 – 7.25pm – Award Ceremony
Awards presented by Professor David Mba and the Lord Mayor

Followed by a group photo on stage.

Running time approx. one hour and 25 minutes

Forthcoming events in Guest Artists

Forthcoming dates include:

Helen Charlston (mezzo-soprano) and Sholto Kynoch (piano)

Tue 13 Jan 2026 - 1.05pm
Guest Artists

Li-Wei Qin (cello) and Jeremy Young (piano)

Wed 14 Jan 2026 - 1.45pm
Guest Artists

Paul Dunmall Invites: Faith Brackenbury

Thu 29 Jan 2026 - 6.30pm
Guest Artists

Swing That Music!

Sat 31 Jan 2026 - 7.30pm
Guest Artists

Annette Richards (organ)

Tue 3 Feb 2026 - 6pm
Guest Artists

Eastside Jazz Festival: Olie Brice Quartet

Fri 13 Feb 2026 - 6pm
Guest Artists

Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra – Shostakovich 10

Sun 15 Feb 2026 - 3pm
Guest Artists

Kadiatu and Mariatu Kanneh-Mason: To Be Young, Gifted and Black

Wed 18 Feb 2026 - 7pm
Guest Artists

Sietze de Vries (organ)

Tue 24 Feb 2026 - 6pm
Guest Artists

Celebrity Brass Recital - Simon Höfele (Trumpet) & Elisabeth Brauß (Piano)

Thu 26 Feb 2026 - 7pm
Guest Artists

Young Classical Artists Trust: James Morley (cello)

Wed 4 Mar 2026 - 1.45pm
Guest Artists

Paul Dunmall Invites Tom Challenger

Thu 5 Mar 2026 - 6.30pm
Guest Artists

Solihull School Chamber Music Concert

Sat 7 Mar 2026 - 7pm
Guest Artists

Matthias Havinga (organ)

Tue 10 Mar 2026 - 6pm
Guest Artists

BWMFS: Clarinet Showcase

Fri 13 Mar 2026 - 7.30pm
Guest Artists

Asian Spring

Sun 22 Mar 2026 - 6pm
Guest Artists

Colin Stetson (saxophone)

Tue 14 Apr 2026 - 7pm
Guest Artists

Free Lunchtime Jazz

Thu 16 Apr 2026 - 1.05pm
Guest Artists

Celebrity Brass Recital: Ben Goldsheider (French Horn) and Simon Callaghan (Piano)

Thu 16 Apr 2026 - 7pm
Guest Artists

L.Y.R.

Sun 19 Apr 2026 - 7pm
Guest Artists

Narratio Quartet: Beethoven in Conversation

Wed 22 Apr 2026 - 1.30pm
Guest Artists

Free Lunchtime Jazz

Thu 23 Apr 2026 - 1.05pm
Guest Artists

Jazz Sabbath

Tue 6 Oct 2026 - 8.15pm
Guest Artists