The Seeds of Hope Concert 2026 will be held on the evening of 7 March 2026 in Beijing!

More than a concert, this event is a heartfelt tribute to YCIS Beijing's 30th anniversary, bringing together nearly 300 YCYW students, teachers, and alumni from across regions. It also serves as an opportunity for new friendship and cultural dialogue between the guest, Yi ethnic youth performers from Liangshan and their YCYW urban peers, marking the resonant sprouting of "Seeds of Hope" in a new era.

Seeds of Hope Concert 2026

An Unprecedented Ensemble 

This extraordinary concert will bring together nearly YCYW 300 students, teachers, and alumni from Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong SAR, and even Silicon Valley in the US, to perform on stage with teachers and students from two Seeds of Hope partner schools in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

Highlights Abound

“Character” is the central idea of the Concert. Among the highlights will be the premiere of “The Four Virtues: A Song of Diligence, Frugality, Faithfulness, and Humility”, Composed by Dr Anton D. Luiten and Dr Yu Yeung, and performed by the YCYW Orchestra and Combined Choir. This closing piece will serve as the artistic and philosophical heart of the concert.

An original production of Mulan, commissioned to celebrate the 30th anniversary of YCIS Beijing, will be passionately performed by the YCYW Combined Orchestra and YCIS Beijing Theatre Group. This work presents the courage, loyalty, and selfless devotion, the qualities that are rooted in humility, the very soul of YCIS Beijing’s three-decade educational journey. 

Students and teachers from Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, will play ancient yueqin melodies and sing traditional Yi ethnic folk songs, joining YCYW students and teachers in a performance that blends Chinese and Western music.

Listen to what various people have said about the Seeds of Hope programme and the concert:

“Our students are active creators of change—they transform their talents into meaningful opportunities. Whether they are organising memorable concerts like tonight's, crafting art for charity auctions, or leading innovative fundraising projects, they apply their skills to inspire generosity and to garner crucial support.”   

                                                                                                                                                                                                     —— Dr Betty Chan Po-king

                                                                                                                                                           CEO and School Supervisor of YCYW Education Network

“This initiative is not merely a musical education programme, but also a celebration of the collective memories of our community working together towards a higher goal of serving one another creatively. It showcases the cultural diversity and the varied backgrounds of our students and staff. ”

                                                                                                                                                                                                      —— Ms Josephine Lo

                                                                                                        Director of Creative Arts Division & Head of Institutional Advancement Office

“The students are extraordinarily focused, and they love presenting music. I think they particularly like engaging in this collaboration and experiencing different cultures. I would say that they are open to new experiences, and they have a wonderful, open heart for looking at different viewpoints and different perspectives.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                     —— Dr Anton D. Luiten

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Director of Music

“The best thing about the creative arts is that there are no limitations, no boundaries. The creative arts allow you to fully be who you are with strangers. And just maybe after one rehearsal, you can form friendships and bonds that last a lifetime.” 

                                                                                                                                                                                                       —— Ms Hilda Lam, YCYW alumna

                                                                                                                                                                                      Performer of Seeds of Hope Concert 2025

“Making music with everyone is really fun. I really enjoyed the laughter and joy during the collaboration.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    —— Tiffany, A student fromYCIS Hong Kong

                                                                                                                                                                     Performer of Seeds of Hope Concert 2025

“The students from Mingtian Primary School initially seemed a bit shy in the new environment. However, the warmth and friendliness of our teachers and students helped them gradually to relax. In just a few days, we discussed many topics, ranging from daily lives to the challenges of learning a second language.”

                                                                                                                                                                                         —— Coco, A student fromYWIES Guangzhou

                                                                                                                                                                                        Performer of Seeds of Hope Concert 2025

“Seeing her perform and be so focused on stage made me proud and happy for her.”

                                                                                                                                                                                                 —— Xiao Sha’s mother

                                                       Xiao Sha is a student from Mingtian Primary School and performer of Seeds of Hope Concert 2025

All proceeds from this year’s concert will continue to support the community service programmes with our partner schools for the Yi ethnic group in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

Since its launch in 1996, the Seeds of Hope programme has supported the construction and educational development of more than ten schools across various regions of China and in the Philippines.

Your presence at the Seeds of Hope Concert is not only about enjoying a performance. You are also supporting educational equity, cultural coexistence, and youth development.