This summer, a powerful new force in international youth collaboration will take the stage in the UK. The 2025 UK–China Youth Cultural Exchange Programme launches this July in Birmingham, bringing together over 100 outstanding young musicians from China and the UK for a week of concerts, workshops, and cultural activities across five cities – including Birmingham, London, Cambridge, and Ludlow.

This summer, a powerful new force in international youth collaboration will take the stage in the UK. The 2025 UK–China Youth Cultural Exchange Programme launches this July in Birmingham, bringing together over 100 outstanding young musicians from China and the UK for a week of concerts, workshops, and cultural activities across five cities – including Birmingham, London, Cambridge, and Ludlow.

"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 similar 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."

Three world premieres bridge cultures and generations

This year's programme features the world premiere of three powerful and diverse orchestral works:

"Dragon Dance: A Symphony of East and West" by Swedish composer Heinrich Schweizer (b. 1943), conducted by legendary Chinese maestro Bian Zushan.

"Rising Clouds Over Four Seas" (《云腾四海》), by contemporary Chinese composer Wang Yunfei, evoking harmony, strength, and cultural identity.

"Egress", by Christopher Churcher, a 20-year-old British composer whose lyrical and forward-thinking work represents the emerging voice of the next generation.

Venues

With plans to expand to over 300 participants in 2026, and ambitions to bring this platform to world stages such as The Proms, the programme is a powerful symbol of artistic diplomacy and hope for future generations.

"This is not just about music – it's about building bonds that last a lifetime," said Di Xiao, Artistic Director and piano professor at the BCU Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. "We're giving young people the tools to become cultural leaders in a global world."