The Philadelphia Orchestra will return to China at the end of the month, marking the first time in five years that the entire orchestra has done so. Beginning Oct. 31 through Nov. 10, The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform eight shows, four in Beijing on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2, and 4, one in Tianjin on Nov. 3, one in Chengdu on Nov. 7, and two final shows at Haikou on Nov. 9 and 10.
Newly appointed Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop will lead the tour. Alsop has over 30 years of history with the Philadelphia Orchestra, including performances in Philadelphia; Saratoga Springs, NY; Vail, CO; and at Carnegie Hall.
In November of last year, 14 members of the Philadelphia Orchestra traveled to China, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the ensemble’s historic 1973 Tour of China, which was the first by an American orchestra. President Joe Biden praised the orchestra, thanking them for their dedication to spreading good will and for serving “as a bridge between our nations, strengthening the bonds that bring our people together.”
“The Philadelphia Orchestra’s journeys to China demonstrate a belief in the possibility of progress through dialogue; they make real the principle that music gives voice to thoughts and ideas that words alone cannot convey,” said President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky. “Commemorating our 50-year relationship with the people of China last fall was an inspiring experience—one heralded by Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, concurrent with their summit in San Francisco.
“We look forward to continuing our decades-long conversation with the people of China and hope that our concerts and residency activities will continue to build positive cultural bridges between China and the United States.”
For more information or for a complete listing of concert programs, visit philorch.ensembleartsphilly.org
