The duo of HfM Würzburg students Yao Liu (voice) and Ziyue Yuan (piano) presented themselves in the DAAD Prize competition with convincing interpretations of songs by Schubert and Schumann. Particularly noteworthy was the precise diction of the singer, who performed the German text with a beautiful voice and in excellent harmony with the pianist. It was clear from the expressive interpretations that both had a deep understanding of the poetry and the music.

The enthusiasm for German culture and classical music expressed in their performances was continued in the conversation about the students' intercultural commitment. Both convincingly described how important it is for them to pass on their love of this music, especially to people who find it difficult to access it. Be it in benefit concerts in hospitals, retirement homes and churches or through the production of low-threshold educational videos, which the pianist makes freely available online. Her strong commitment within the university also played a part in the decision.

The DAAD Prize, which has been awarded for more than ten years, is intended to help put faces to the large numbers of international students at German universities and connect them with stories. This makes it clear that every single international student takes a piece of Germany back home with them and leaves something of themselves in Germany - an enrichment for both sides.