Following The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 2023 Europe Tour, fourteen members of the Orchestra traveled to China for residency activities and concerts commemorating the 50th anniversary of the ensemble’s historic 1973 Tour of China, the first by an American orchestra. This residency will further the Orchestra’s commitment to people-to-people exchange through music and will include activities in Beijing, Tianjin, Suzhou, and Shanghai with many of the Orchestra’s long-term partners.
President Biden wrote a letter acknowledging 50 years of cultural exchange between The Philadelphia Orchestra and the people of China. “Music has the unique ability to take us back to the most cherished times, places, and memories in our lives. But it also moves us forward—helping transcend language, overcome geography, and unite cultures and communities around the world.”
Nov. 7, Frankfurt: Some of the musicians traveling to China ran into cellist Jan Vogler (center) at the airport. Vogler will be the soloist in Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in a side-by-side concert in Beijing with the Philadelphia Orchestra musicians and musicians from the National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 7: A beautiful scene on the flight from Frankfurt to Beijing. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 7, Beijing: The residency party, including violinist Davyd Booth, who was on the 1973 tour, was warmly greeted by representatives from the United States Embassy and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 7, Beijing: There were also news cameras to capture this historic moment. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 7, Beijing: Davyd is greeted by Shari Bistransky, counselor for public affairs of the United States Embassy to China. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 7, Beijing: The entire delegation poses for a photo at the airport. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 7, Beijing: Davyd gives an interview to the Associated Press at the airport. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 7, Beijing: After the morning arrival, a number of musicians made a visit to the instrument shop Il Violini Maggio. Mei Ching Huang tries out one of the many violins in the shop. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 8, Beijing: Violist Marvin Moon snaps a photo at the Temple of Heaven. The Temple, constructed from 1406 to 1420, is a complex of imperial religious buildings. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 8, Beijing: A colorful scene at the Temple complex. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 8, Beijing: United State Ambassador to China R. Nicholas Burns sits down with Davyd and Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc., for an interview at his official residence. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 8, Beijing: The Ambassador introduces Davyd to the guests at an official welcome reception at his residence. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 8, Beijing: Davyd speaks about his experiences in China in 1973 during the reception. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 8, Beijing: The delegation with the ambassador and members of his staff. Photo by Todd Rosenberg
Nov. 8, Beijing: Matías presents the ambassador with a framed poster celebrating the 50th Anniversary China Residency, signed by all of the participants. Photo by Todd Rosenberg