German violinist and conductor, Rainer Kussmaul, former Concert Master of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, held a master class at China's Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing.

The one-week lesson, which concluded Tuesday, was organized with the intention of delivering knowledge of chamber music. The chamber orchestra is regarded as one of the most important institutions in western classical music, requiring lots of cooperation and coordination between different instruments and players.

The Beijing News points out that though China has had lots of talented musicians, some of them even having gained fame and honor on the international stage, China's chamber orchestras are lagging behind. Without a single professional chamber orchestra, China requires more education and investment in such instrumental ensembles.

The newspaper says that, for music institutes and parents, as well as training their students for the possibility of becoming soloist stars, they should also pay attention to honing their cooperative skills. After all, not all budding instrumentalists will be lucky enough to become the next Lang Lang or Li Yundi. Students should focus on how to become good team players in their orchestral field.
 
(CRI.cn April 5, 2007)