A free event will bring together Suzhou gardens and Yorkshire landscapes through music and imagery.
Castle Howard's Head Curator and pianist Yuanfan Yang will feature in Northern Echoes: Gardens in Harmony at York St John University's Creative Centre on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
Presented by Shared York CIC, the event will let people explore the classical gardens of Suzhou and the landscapes of Yorkshire through a photographic exhibition, a keynote address, and live music.
The opening programme will be hosted by former Lord Mayor of York, Dave Taylor, who helped establish the initial connections between Castle Howard and Suzhou's classical gardens, and will include a welcome address from the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells.
The exhibition will explore the connections and contrasts between Suzhou's classical gardens and Yorkshire landscapes.
Dr Christopher Ridgway, head curator at Castle Howard, will deliver the keynote address.
The concert will be organised by York International Music Academy and curated and hosted by its artistic director, Miaozi Yu.
Alongside his solo performance, Mr Yang will invite ideas from the audience and transform selected themes into music on the spot.
Admission is free, but advance booking is required via Eventbrite: https://tinyurl.com/YorkSuzhou