Debra Li

debra_lidan@163.com

THE first batch of 278 children aged between 6 and 13 has been chosen for the children’s choirs jointly launched by Shenzhen Concert Hall and the Flying Over the Rainbow Ethnic Cultural Exchange Center.

These lucky youngsters, shortlisted from over 1,200 candidates through several rounds of auditions, will start training in March with the beginners’ choir, the understudy choir and the in-house performing choir.

The in-house performing choir is expected to make their debut at Shenzhen Concert Hall later this year, says a press release from the concert hall Friday.

The children were rated and assigned to different choirs according to their age and music proficiency.

Besides Hu Manxue, conductor of the prestigious Lily Children’s Choir who has signed on to be artistic director, conductors Huang Xiyin and Peng Chuan will be directing the choirs. Zhao Xiaoai, music professor with Shantou University, will be councilor of artistic direction.

Shenzhen Concert Hall says it will provide the children with “comprehensive and systematic training in music theory, solfege and vocal skills.” The choirs will also get the members in touch with various music styles and teach them songs from different countries and ethnic groups. This is aimed at teaching the children tolerance and respect for other cultures while cultivating in them a love and pride of their own, says the press release.

Chorus is not just about singing; it’s also about teamwork. The popularity and level a city can reach in chorus art also mirrors its citizens’ music education and morale, the concert hall says. By promoting this art, the concert hall hopes to cultivate a love for music in young children and get more families involved in the city’s music scene.