Orchestra off to China

Shanghai, China, will also be on the cards for the HB Orchestral Society after performing in Guilin.

The young musicians in the Hawke's Bay Youth Orchestra, representing the HB Orchestral Society, have an exciting time ahead as they prepare the concert programmes to perform on their cultural exchange to Hastings' sister city Guilin in China in April.

At the start of the 10-day visit, they will be joined by Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule for the welcome dinner, acknowledging the 35th year of the relationship.

"This will be a real exchange of cultures and a vivid and exciting experience for the young players," said the orchestra's manager, Charlotte van Asch.

"In Guilin there will be visits to schools for performances and to participate in shared activities, with some of the students joining the orchestra to play percussion instruments," she said.

"A trip down the Li River and stays in Yangshuo and Shanghai will complete our itinerary." .

"We are fortunate to have a few Chinese speakers in our group."

Hear the HB Youth Orchestra, directed by Susan Melville, in concert in its final performances before departure for China - in the Havelock North High School Hall at 3pm on Saturday, April 9 and in the Napier City Council Chamber, Hastings St, Napier, at 3pm the following day.

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