Young musicians from Ordos and overseas share the stage in Kangbashi

Young musicians from Ordos performed alongside artists from France and Australia at the "Music Bridge" China-Europe Youth Music Salon in Kangbashi District on Tuesday.

Held at the Kangbashi Youth Development Center, the event brought together Chinese folk music and European classical music in a relaxed, interactive setting. Rather than following a single conductor or fixed program, the musicians took turns performing, exchanging ideas and responding to one another on stage.

The salon opened with traditional grassland hospitality, including the presentation of white hada scarves and a folk dance. Local students then performed a Chinese instrumental ensemble piece, followed by piano works inspired by traditional Chinese music.

"I was a little nervous before going on stage, but seeing the overseas musicians perform with such passion helped me enjoy the experience," said Duolan, a student cellist. "I hope there will be more opportunities like this to improve my musical skills."

The visiting artists performed works by Bach, Debussy, Tchaikovsky and Schumann in solo, duet and trio formats. The live performances gave local students and teachers a closer look at different approaches to rhythm, dynamics and musical expression.

The event ended with "Ten Thousand Galloping Horses," a morin khuur ensemble piece. The powerful sound of the traditional Mongolian instrument drew sustained applause, with several overseas guests recording the performance on their phones.

"It was a wonderful experience," said Philippe, a French music manager. "The facilities here are very modern, and the students are talented and full of energy. I hope we will have the chance to return in the future."

Music teachers from local primary and secondary schools also attended the salon, using the event as an opportunity to learn from overseas teaching methods and youth performance programs.

"Music is a universal language," said Zhang Ruxiang, head of traditional instrumental music programs at the Kangbashi Youth Development Center. "By performing Chinese instruments, the children can help international audiences better understand Chinese culture."

Kangbashi District plans to continue developing the "Music Bridge" program as a platform for international youth exchange, arts education and cultural communication.