As the first American orchestra to perform in the People’s Republic of China, in 1973, The Philadelphia Orchestra has a longstanding relationship with the people of China. That first tour, authorized by President Nixon and Henry Kissinger, included performances in Beijing (then Peking) and Shanghai under Maestro Eugene Ormandy, and made The Philadelphia Orchestra a household name in China.
Today, the Orchestra’s work in China continues in concert halls, educational institutions, and civic settings with our long-term partners. In addition to our work on stage, we provide free cultural exchange opportunities through pop-up concerts, side-by-side performances with local ensembles, master classes, teaching and training, and arts administration lectures.
At a time when growing tension marks other aspects of U.S.-China relations, we continue to build on this longstanding legacy to celebrate the powerful role of music in cultural exchange and people-to-people cooperation.