LONDON, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- Classical musicians from China and Britain are to perform a series of pop-up shows for shoppers in Birmingham to celebrate Chinese New Year starting on Friday.
Comprising a mix of traditional Chinese and Western pieces, the performers, all from Birmingham City University's Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, will host concerts in iconic locations in Britain's second biggest city, such as the Bullring, one of the UK's busiest shopping centres, and Selfridges department store.
Performances are taking place between Friday and Sunday in Birmingham Cathedral, the Central shopping center and at Birmingham Hippodrome where the city's Chinese New Year celebration is taking place.
Among the performers will be 20-year-old violist, Yue Yu from Shenzen, who performs as part of The Fletcher Quartet.
Speaking ahead of the Chinese New Year Festival in Birmingham, Yue Yu said: "As a student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, we get to perform in some of the world's leading music venues, but performing in a shopping center is certainly unique. It will be interesting to see the surprised faces of shoppers and visitors when we begin to perform unannounced, but I hope they appreciate the varied repertoire we will be playing."
And playing on the occasion of the Chinese New Year is also special for the Chinese student.
"I am missing lots of friends and family back home during this special time of year, but getting to perform some of my favourite traditional pieces makes me feel closer to my birthplace, and I am delighted to be able to share it with people of Birmingham," said Yue.
Almost one in five students at Birmingham Conservatoire originates from China, more than any other British music college. Meanwhile, Birmingham City University is the most popular destination for art and design among Chinese students who choose to study in Britain.
Professor Julian Lloyd Webber, principal, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said: "Throughout its history, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire has nurtured some of China's leading classical musicians, most recently Di Xiao from Guangzhou, who was named in the top 10 up-and-coming Chinese pianists by 'International Piano' magazine."
