On August 4th, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) hosted a welcome reception for the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland (NYOS), together with the Scottish office of the British Embassy in China. Vice President Song Jingwu of the CPAFFC and Chief Executive and Artistic Director Joan Gibson of the NYOS addressed the audience. Ms. Zhang Ruoning, Deputy Director General of the European and Asian Department of CPAFFC emceed the event which was attended by over 200 people from the NYOS and CPAFFC.

Vice President Song Jingwu said that the CPAFFC enjoys close contacts with Scotland, and has hosted Scottish delegations from various fields for many times. He expressed his hope of further promoting exchanges and cooperation in all fields between China and Scotland through music, the universal language.Joan Gibson conveyed her gratitude to the CPAFFC for holding the reception, and she believed the young musicians of the NYOS are truly ambassadors of Scotland.

Members of NYOS performed String Quartet, Flute Duo, and Wind Quintet during the reception.

The NYOS was established in 1979. This year marks the full symphony orchestra’s first China tour, during which they will perform in Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin.