In a bold return to the international stage, the combined music departments of Westlake Boys and Westlake Girls High Schools embarked on an ambitious 13-day concert tour across Eastern China. Marking the first international venture for the premier instrumental ensembles since 2014, the 2026 tour was a resounding success and a defining moment for our Performing Arts program.
A dedicated contingent of 93—comprising 84 talented student musicians and nine staff members—traversed a high-energy itinerary through Beijing, Xi’an, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. Our four premier ensembles represented our schools with distinction:
- Westlake Symphony Orchestra (Directed by Mr. David Squire)
- Westlake Chamber Orchestra (Directed by Mrs. Joo Yeon Lee)
- Westlake Big Band (Directed by Mr. Eddie Hare)
- Westlake Concert Band (Directed by Mr. Warwick Robinson)
Serving as cultural ambassadors, the students performed at several prestigious venues, including Dulwich College (Beijing), Shanghai Normal University, and the Hangzhou Youth Orchestra. These exchanges allowed our musicians to connect with international peers through the universal language of music. Between rehearsals, concerts and travel, the group immersed themselves in the rich history and vibrant future of China. Highlights of the journey included:
- Beijing: Conquering the Great Wall and exploring the grandeur of the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City.
- Xi’an: Standing before the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and experiencing a traditional Tang Dynasty cultural performance.
- Hangzhou: A scenic boat trip on the famous “West Lake”—a fitting namesake for our schools—followed by the spectacular CBD light show.
- Shanghai: Taking in the iconic Bund skyline, wandering the serene Yuyuan Garden, and enjoying a well-deserved final celebration at Shanghai Disneyland.
This monumental undertaking was the result of seamless collaboration between both schools’ music departments. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Ensemble Directors, the dedicated staff chaperones, and the travel coordinators at Tour Time for their meticulous planning.
We also owe a massive thank you to our Parent Fundraising Committee, whose tireless efforts ensured our students could participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Most importantly, we celebrate our students. Their technical mastery, dedication to their craft, and exemplary conduct throughout the tour brought immense pride to the Westlake community and New Zealand.
