The Asian Youth Orchestra, regarded as one of the finest in the world, is to play two concerts in Tianjin and Beijing next month.

The events are supported by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Office in Beijing and the Liaison Office of the Hong Kong SAR in Tianjin.

Based in Hong Kong, the Asian Youth Orchestra has garnered international acclaim for its exceptional performances. Comprising over 100 elite musicians, the orchestra employs a rigorous process to select its members. The talented young artists in the current orchestra come from China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, as well as other countries and regions.

Every summer, they gather for a six-week program: the first three weeks are dedicated to intensive training, followed by three weeks of touring with internationally renowned soloists and conductors.

Earlier this month, the orchestra trained at the Tianjin Juilliard School, with many graduate students selected to join its ranks, while resident teachers conducted master classes.

On July 23, the orchestra will present a pre-tour concert at the Tianjin Juilliard School. The performance will be led by Chief Conductor Joseph Bastian, featuring classic works by Respighi and Ravel.

The Beijing concert on August 11, at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, will be conducted by Chief Guest Conductor Jader Bagnamini and will include Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Respighi's Pines of Rome and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition.

The Asian Youth Orchestra's Asian Tour will premiere in Hong Kong on August 1 before visiting 12 cities, including Zhuhai, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Taipei and that trip to Beijing.