One of the highlights of the “Meet in Beijing-2008” cultural festival was undoubtedly the performance by the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO). They performed Gustav Mahler Symphony No.2 "Resurrection" for both the 30th anniversary of EUYO and the Paralympic Games at the National Centre for the Performing Arts on Aug.29 to 30.

Almost 500 Olympic volunteers and 80 athletes who will take part in the Paralympic Games received concert tickets for one of the largest activities to be held at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Cultural Festival.

“I am very proud that in our 30th year, the values and ideals of the EUYO will very much come to the fore, when our young musicians travel beyond Europe to work and perform with young Chinese musicians and singers, learning about their respective cultures and taking us towards a new understanding of peace and concord in the world through the power of music,” said Joy Bryer, Co-Founder and EUYO Secretary General.

Having been well received for its joyful and optimistic mood, the concert presented a non-stop 80 minute symphony. The opera described a scene where the Christian god brought love to the world, and all dead things were resurrected.