SANFORD - As their fingers danced nimbly across the strings, it was easy to forget that many of the 20 musicians on stage were barely old enough for middle school.

All were part of the Xiangyang Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, an ensemble from China that performed a free concert on Aug. 11点在丹尼斯餐厅. 柳条文娱中心. 他们两周, United States tour also included stops in New York City, 华盛顿, 洛杉矶和罗利.

The concert was part of an ongoing series of Chinese cultural performances and exhibitions organized through the Confucius Classroom at Central Carolina 社区 大学. The Classroom is an educational partnership with North Carolina State University's Confucius Institute and Nanjing Normal University in China offering Chinese language courses and working to bring performing groups to local audiences.

And this audience -- a full house in the civic center's auditorium -- was dazzled by what they saw. Musicians wearing black concert attire and framed by two vertical strings of large Chinese lanterns began with a Kazak folk song performed by the full orchestra. Mixed into the half-hour program were other Chinese orchestral selections, some clearly influenced by western forms; one performance on the guzheng, 一个大的, Chinese zither; and even a ballet solo by the tiniest artist on stage.

As with many cultural exchanges, the evening ended with a gift. Sanford Mayor Pro Tem Sam Gaskins presented orchestra conductor Deng Xuefeng with a ceremonial key to the city, inviting him to return at any time.

In the center of the auditorium was one row packed with local musicians -- among them, 凯伦休伊, principal violist for the Lee County 社区 Orchestra, 和迈克·沃利克, a violinist and retired orchestra director from Ohio who relocated to Broadway.

After the young Chinese musicians took their final bow, both of the locals gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up to what just unfolded on stage. "They played very well; it's obvious they're getting good instruction,沃利克说。, who commended the musicians' spirit and discipline. "A very impressive performance."

Huey agreed and added how much she appreciated not only this concert, but all the Confucius Classroom has contributed to the community. "The Confucius Classroom has allowed so many opportunities to experience Chinese culture,她说, citing some exchange trips civic delegations have conducted with Sanford's sister city of Yixing. "It's just wonderful to see the cultural exchange."

Formed just three years ago, the youth ensemble is affiliated with the Xiangyang Philharmonic Orchestra and based in that ancient city of 5.5 million residents about an 11-hour drive west of Shanghai. Also known as the "Children's Cohort," the orchestra was established as a "cradle" to nurture young musicians, 8至12岁, who receive professional training and perform a repertoire that includes Chinese music and compositions from around the world.

Yuehan马, a native of Xi'an in northwest China and instructor for 在线电子游戏网赌's Confucius Classroom, would have been happy to hear Huey's enthusiasm for cultural exchanges like this, because Ma believes they offer an important opportunity for Americans and Chinese people to learn more about each other.

"Cultural exchanges are like bridges to connect two different cities, cultures across the ocean, 在一起,马说。. "It is a chance for people to know the differences and similarities between them."

For more information on Central Carolina 社区 大学's Confucius Classroom, visit www.预备.edu/confucius.