SIP Ren'ai School, a school dedicated to offering education to physically and mentally challenged youngsters, was full of beautiful melodies, laughter and cheers on Mar 2, as a number of artists from Suzhou Symphony Orchestra (SZSO) and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) were giving 12 exceptional children and their parents a great music lecture. 

It is learnt that RPO artists are on a tour in Suzhou from Feb 28 to Mar 4 under their RPO Resound program which, started in 1993, aims to promote music through artistically driven projects working with different groups from primary schools to homeless shelters to help broaden access to, and engagement with, world-class music.

"Our trip includes keynote speeches, lectures, training sessions and social practices that are expected to give SZSO some help in music education," said Kate McBain, director of community & education at RPO.

"We are eager to learn from RPO experience in orchestra operation, performances and music education," SZSO deputy head Zhu Huixin said.