06.27.15 | 9:30 a.m.
Historic Hutong, Beijing
We got to take a rickshaw ride through the old Hutong area of Beijing. The streets smelled slightly smoky from air pollution, and we could often hear the street vendors bartering with customers.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
06.27.15 | 11 a.m.
Qianamen Street, Beijing
We went “treasure hunting” by taking pictures of specific objects throughout the area. We tried green tea–flavored ice cream. Later, we saw scorpions on sticks, starfish, sea horses, various meats and fruits… it was a smorgasbord of food and trinkets.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
06.25.15 | 3:30 p.m.
The Forbidden City, Beijing
I loved it when our tour guide showed and explained what purposes the different buildings served hundreds of years ago. In the grand scheme of things, what is considered “old” in American history is really nothing compared to the history of other countries such as China.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
06.27.15 | 8 p.m.
Forbidden City Concert Hall, Beijing
Performing in the Forbidden City Concert Hall was amazing. The stage was beautiful and the acoustics were great. The energy we had in the hall that night is something I will never forget.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
06.26.15 | 10 a.m.
Great Wall of China, Beijing
Right before we started climbing! The wall stretched as far as the eye could see. We climbed so many stairs we lost count, and were drenched in sweat and exhausted by the end. But it was worth it.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
06.29.15 | 11 a.m.
Yangma Island, Yantai
More stairs and more climbing! Here, we took a break and took in the view. We will never forget the memories and friendships that we made there.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
06.29.15 | Noon
Yangma Island, Yantai
The so-called horse-breeding island. It was an almost familiar place; it reminded us so much of the beaches in California.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
07.02.15 | 2 p.m.
Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai
This is an altar where people could pray or meditate. The statues in this room were huge!
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
07.03.15 | 10:45 a.m.
Bazaar, Shanghai
A beautiful old part of town that housed lovely shops and food vendors. And a Starbucks! We brought home traditional Chinese green teas and watercolor fans for our families.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
07.03.15 | 8:30 p.m.
Huangpu River Cruise, Shanghai
The lights of Shanghai. The tall pointy building is named the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It was constantly changing colors!
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
07.04.15 | 10:30 a.m.
Pudong New Area, Shanghai
We took a tour of Shanghai’s Pudong New Area. We could see a lot of the skyline, even though it was a very cloudy afternoon.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
07.04.15 | 10:30 p.m.
Hai Di Lao Hotpot, Shanghai
After our last concert, the orchestra ate dinner at Hai Di Lao Hotpot in Shanghai—definitely a new experience! We were greeted by a smiling group of staff members who were all waving American flags. You cook your food in a boiling pot of broth by dipping in thin slices of meat and other pieces of food with chopsticks. It was an awesome way to end the trip.
About the Photographers
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
Laura Ann Gilmore
Age: 17
Home: Encinitas
Instrument: Oboe
Practice? Twelve hours a week.
Why classical music? My parents encouraged piano in elementary school. I fell in love with it. I was introduced to the oboe in 7th grade.
Non-classical faves? Two Door Cinema Club, Paper Kites, Death Cab for Cutie
Music in three words… Universal, expressive, human
China was… An incredible opportunity to make music with amazing people in a beautiful country.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
Sofia Hashemi-Asasi
Age: 17
Home: San Marcos
Instrument: Violin
Music is… Everything. A way to express myself and connect with others. I can’t imagine my life without music.
Why classical? When I was four, I found my mother’s old violin and wanted to learn to play it.
Practice? Two hours per day.
Why China? To share our music, and to connect with our audiences through the universal language of music.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
Megan Matthew
Age: 32 (alumna)
Home: North Park
Instrument: Violin
Music is… A way to express emotions that have no words.
Why violin? It just speaks to me. A part of me wishes I played cello because it’s way more kick-ass.
Non-classical faves? Trio Gadjo, Little Hurricane, Billie Holiday
China was… Before the trip I felt I was blasting off to Mars. But after meeting the wonderful, kind people, I realized they weren’t so different from me at all.
The San Diego Youth Symphony Goes to China
