Kirill Rodin, a cello professor at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

The China Youth Cello Art Week kicked off in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, as the enchanting notes of the cello filled the theater of the Yinzhou Cultural and Art Center on the evening of July 17.

The festivities commenced with a concert and a master class led by Kirill Rodin, a cello professor at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory. Rodin, renowned globally for his musical prowess, has not only garnered accolades but has also nurtured numerous generations of cello virtuosos with his profound musical expertise and extensive teaching background.

In addition to the opening concert, the art week promises a plethora of engaging events, including two ensemble concerts, a closing performance, and four public master classes.

As the birthplace of the world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the sounds of the cello have increasingly become a defining element in the cultural landscape of Yinzhou district, Ningbo.

Yinzhou, serving as the perennial host venue for the China Youth Cello Art Week, takes great pride in its rich musical legacy. In 2018, Xianxiang town within the district was honored with the title of the nation's first "Cello Town", solidifying its reputation as a vibrant hub for cello music and cultural enrichment.