Northern Echoes: Gardens in Harmony

Northern Echoes: Gardens in Harmony comes to the York St John University Creative Centre on Tuesday 20 October, a free evening that brings together the classical gardens of Suzhou and the landscapes of Yorkshire through photography, a keynote talk and live music. The whole thing is presented by Shared York CIC, with the concert side of things organised by York International Music Academy.

There's a photographic exhibition to look through, and the keynote comes from Dr Christopher Ridgway, Head Curator at Castle Howard. He'll be speaking on the relationship between Castle Howard and Suzhou's classical gardens — a connection that former Lord Mayor of York Dave Taylor helped to establish. The evening is built around that link, weaving the two landscapes together through music and imagery.

The music is a piano performance by Yuanfan Yang, who does something a bit different: he invites the audience to share their own ideas, which he then turns into music on the spot. The concert is curated and hosted by Miaozi Yu, artistic director of York International Music Academy, who also organises the performance.

As for the opening, it's hosted by Dave Taylor, with a welcome address from the Right Honourable Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Margaret Wells. It's all at the Creative Centre, York St John University, York, YO31 7EX, on Tuesday 20 October, and entry is free.