Orchestra's towering ambitions

Lau Hui Ping, a Malaysian student currently studying at the Tianjin school and a member of the orchestra, says that playing the trumpet in The Rite of Spring was incredibly challenging.

"The passages Stravinsky wrote are not only technically demanding but also require deep musical expression — sharp timbres, changing rhythms and sustained high registers. These aspects are a tremendous test of breath control, pitch accuracy and endurance," she says.

"My teacher, Sergey Tyuteykin, told me that playing this part might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity because its uniqueness and difficulty are so rare in orchestral works."

Despite being one of the youngest orchestras in China, the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestra has already made a name for itself through its ambitious performances, and ability to tackle both classic and contemporary compositions.

The orchestra, primarily comprising graduate students with an average age of just 25, undergoes significant renewal each year, with roughly 50 percent of its members being replaced. This dynamic structure ensures the ensemble remains young, fresh, and full of energy.

In the 2024-25 season, in addition to performances in Tianjin, the orchestra has embarked on its inaugural tours to Beijing and Hong Kong.

He Wei, CEO and artistic director of the Tianjin Juilliard School, says that the opportunity to perform alongside over 20 professional orchestras from across the country at the ninth China Orchestra Festival is a testament to the young orchestra's growth.

"Our students are the next generation of musicians, and by working with our faculty and engaging with international peers, they are developing the skills needed to take their place on the global stage," he says.