US orchestra in China to mark 40 years of diplomatic ties

By Li Huiru
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, May 23, 2019
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Wang Jiarui (c), chairman of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), joins a group of children from the Soong Ching Ling Science, Technology and Culture Exchange Center, as they pose for a group photo with musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra and China's NCPA in Beijing on May 21, 2019.  [Photo by Li Huiru / China.org.cn]

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the United States. Though trade frictions have cast a shadow on the China-U.S. ties, people-to-people exchanges have not been affected and thrived with stronger momentum. 

The Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the "Big Five" American orchestras, is in China to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and the United States. 

The preeminent orchestra was joined by musicians from China's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) to present a benefit concert at the Future Theatre of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) in Beijing on May 21, 2019.

The musicians from the two countries performed W. A. Mozart's "The String Quartet No. 17 in B Flat, K.458, (The Hunt)" and Robert Schumann's "The String Quartet No.1 in A Minor, Op.41" and other world-famous compositions. They also performed several traditional Chinese songs: Guessing Melodies, Green Willow, Yao Dance, Reflection of the Moon in the Er-Quan Spring, and Jasmine Flower. 

Nearly 1,000 teenagers and parents participated in the concert. At the end of the concert, a group of 12 children from the Soong Ching Ling Science, Technology and Culture Exchange Center presented flowers to the musicians.

The concert entitled Heartfelt Symphony Across the Pacific was organized in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations. It was cohosted by the CSCLF, the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra and the NCPA, and supported by Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co, Ltd. For a long time, the CSCLF has been working on enhancing China-U.S. relations through people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

The Philadelphia Orchestra plays world-famous music with their Chinese peers at the Future Theatre of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) in Beijing on May 21, 2019. [Photo by Li Huiru / China.org.cn]

The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra has been a strong promoter of China-U.S. ties. In 1973, it became the first American orchestra to visit the People's Republic of China, a year after U.S. President Nixon made his historic visit.

Since then, ties between China and the United States have experienced ups and downs. However, the peoples of the two countries continue to engage in cultural, sport and artistic exchanges, despite the current trade frictions. 

Nicholas Platt, senior advisor of the orchestra and honorary president of the Asia Society, said that people-to-people exchanges are the foundation and driving force of the China-U.S. friendship. He said that promoting friendship between the two peoples through music and culture has always been an important mission of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. Ambassador Platt was the person who facilitated The Philadelphia Orchestra's historic Tour of China in 1973.

Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, told China.org.cn that he was delighted to see exchanges between musicians. 

When being asked the significance of the music tour in China, Tarnopolsky said that "music can express ideas that thoughts and words alone cannot. Music inspires cooperation that was demonstrated on this stage tonight."

He revealed that the orchestra will stay in China for another week and give concerts in Tianjin, Philadelphia's sister city, and will also in Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Shanghai.

CSCLF Chairman Wang Jiarui also attended the event.

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