On July 22, the Cross-Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) students enjoyed an evening of beautiful classical music performed by the Hong Kong Children's Symphony Orchestra (HKCSO) at the renowned Merkin Concert Hall, located at the Kaufman Music Center in Manhattan.

The Orchestra was led by its Honorary Guest Conductor, Dr. Gabriel Leung, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, and Dr. Yip Wai-hong, Music Director and founder of HKCSO.

CCIP students from Hong Kong particularly appreciated HKCSO's efforts in promoting Hong Kong through the arts. The orchestra, composed of musically gifted children aged 7 to 18, had travelled all the way from Hong Kong to New York to begin their tour in North America. Soon, HKCSO will make its way to Toronto, Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver BC.

HKCSO was established in 1996 to recruit musically talented children. Since its beginnings, HKCSO has presented talented soloists and international competition winners. In 2001, HKCSO began performing for audiences all over the world with annual concert tours and through participation in exchange programs.

"Being from Hong Kong, I was thrilled to support the HKCSO," said Ben Chung, a student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong studying Insurance, Financial, Actuarial Analysis. "We all agreed that the children played wonderfully, and I am proud of their accomplishments that go far beyond music itself."