By Wang Ke

Staff reporter from China.org.cn

130 young musicians aged from 14 to 24, from all 27 countries of the European Union, have arrived in Beijing where they will perform the last gala concert of a tour to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the founding of the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO).

The performance is a part of the 2008 Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, a series of cultural events organized by the Chinese Ministry of Culture to celebrate the richness and creativity of international cooperation and exchange. This year is the first time that this outstanding and talented Orchestra has visited China since 1984.

Joy Bryer, Co-Founder and Secretary General of the orchestra, told China.org.cn that she felt very proud in the past 30th year. The values and ideals of the EUYO will come to the fore, when the young musicians travel beyond Europe to work and perform with young Chinese musicians and singers, learning about their respective cultures.

She said the concerts are a celebration of the new aspirations and opportunities available to all people in this new global age.