Beijing, Tianjin, Suzhou, and Shanghai will host activities including anniversary concerts, chamber performances, and master classes with 14 members of the Orchestra, including one musician who participated in the 1973 tour
November 9–November 18, 2023
(Philadelphia, September 14, 2023)—The Philadelphia Orchestra announced today—on the anniversary of its first-ever concert in China 50 years ago—that 14 members of the Orchestra will travel to China for residency activities that commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ensemble’s historic 1973 Tour of China, the first by an American orchestra. One member of the touring party, violinist Davyd Booth, participated in the 1973 tour, and will return to join his colleagues in furthering the Orchestra’s commitment to people-to-people exchange through music.
“Music has the power to connect and build bridges. We are delighted to commemorate the Orchestra’s historic 1973 tour and our 50-year relationship with the people of China during this residency,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. “The 1973 tour is remembered to this day by many in China as a symbol of deep musical friendship, and we hope that our music-making will continue to build bridges between our people and cultures.”
The visit will include the following activities in Beijing, Tianjin, Suzhou, and Shanghai with many of the Orchestra’s long-term partners:
- A 50th anniversary side-by-side concert with the China National Symphony Orchestra at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, led by China National Symphony Orchestra Chief Conductor Li Xincao and Philadelphia Orchestra Assistant Conductor Tristan Rais-Sherman (November 10).
- A performance at the Tianjin Juilliard School, also featuring performances by musicians from the Tianjin Symphony Orchestra, Tianjin Conservatory of Music, and Tianjin Juilliard School (November 11).
- A side-by-side concert with the China National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (November 11).
- Participation in the Global Education Music League Competition at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, building on the success of the inaugural competition in 2019, which featured The Philadelphia Orchestra and Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin (November 13).
- Chamber performances at the Suzhou Museum and Humble Administrator’s Garden (November 16).
- A performance at the Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre, also featuring musicians from the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra (November 16).
- Master classes, panel discussions, and a chamber performance at ShanghaiTech University (November 17).
- Chamber performances at the Shanghai Children’s Palace and the Shanghai Library - Pudong (November 18).
The following members of the Orchestra will participate in the residency:
Tristan Rais-Sherman, assistant conductor
Davyd Booth, violin—participant in the 1973 tour
Yu-Ting Chen, violin
Willa Finck, violin
Daniel Han, violin
Mei Ching Huang, violin
Philip Kates, violin
Amy Oshiro-Morales, violin
Marvin Moon, viola
Ohad Bar-David, cello
John Koen, cello
Elizabeth Masoudnia, English horn (Joanne T. Greenspun Chair)
Ricardo Morales, principal clarinet (Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Chair)
Nicole Jordan, principal librarian
About The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Touring History in China
The Philadelphia Orchestra has a long and distinguished touring history, connecting with people throughout the world through music, and is one of the most-traveled American symphonic ensembles. In 1973, under the direction of Eugene Ormandy, The Philadelphia Orchestra became the first American orchestra to perform in China. Since that first visit, the Orchestra has returned 11 times, most recently in 2019. The Orchestra has developed deep, impactful connections throughout China as a result of concerts and residencies that serve as a bridge for people-to-people exchange. This 50-year relationship with the people of China continues today in concert halls, educational institutions, and civic settings with various long-term partners.
The organizing sponsor for The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 2023 Residency in China is the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, with support from the Ford Foundation. The Residency is also supported by the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, Bank of China, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, White and Williams LLP, and Ruder Finn. Additional support for this visit comes from the U.S. Department of State’s Arts Envoy Program, which engages American artists and arts professionals in cultural exchange programs and shares the best of the U.S. arts community with the world.
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