PHILADELPHIA, the United States, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Booker Rowe, a U.S. violinist who joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1970, has a unique personal collection.

An Erhu, a Chinese two-stringed bowed instrument, and several photos in black and white retro style, which record his orchestra's pioneering visit to China in 1973, stand out.

Rowe proudly displayed those items at a panel reflecting on the orchestra's latest trip to China, which was held Friday afternoon in Philadelphia, the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.

These are precious gifts from China, highlighting the sustained friendship between the peoples of the United States and China, the veteran violinist told Xinhua.

Founded in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra is renowned for a long and distinguished history of touring the world. Its lasting ties with China mark a significant chapter in its century-old history.

In 1973, at the invitation by then U.S. President Richard Nixon, it became the first American orchestra to visit the People's Republic of China -- a trip considered a key part of Washington's rapprochement with Beijing in the 1970s.

Calling the 1973 trip "an amazing event" in his life, Rowe detailed at Friday's panel how his maiden visit to China helped him discover the country and the people.

"One of the things that impressed me was that when we gave concerts, the audience applauded for us and we applauded back...the music comes to life by being received by the audience," the violinist recounted the moment during their first performance in China when the magic power of melodies transcended languages and boundaries, bridging cultures.

Rowe was joined at Friday's event by Davyd Booth and Renard Edwards, who are among the only four members of the 1973 trip and remain with the orchestra till now.

More than 45 years after his first trip to China, Booth, 69, remembered almost every "surprise" and "interesting moment," such as being introduced to traditional Chinese instruments and tasting Chinese cuisine.

The violinist and second keyboard player said his becoming a member on the cultural mission to China was "an incredible amount of good luck," as he was still a freshman at the orchestra and had the honor to participate in such a remarkable event.

During so many years of interactions with Chinese counterparts and audience, "now China has literally become part of us," said Booth.

Edwards, a viola player, remembered the first China trip as "a tremendous" experience, helping in "broadening the horizon."

He said he "was amazed that so many people were riding bicycles" on Beijing's streets.

It was mind-blowing to experience the famed Chinese scenic spots described in books, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

"I didn't know if the orchestra would be able to go back at that time," said Edwards, adding that he was happy to see "the orchestra has developed a very strong relationship with China" and he believes the bond is going to be continued in the future.

Twenty years after its first visit, the full orchestra returned to China in 1993, and has been expanding its collaboration with its Chinese counterparts.

The orchestra enjoys a long-standing partnership with the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing and the Shanghai Oriental Art Center. In addition, it has worked with the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra since 2016 in advancing cultural exchanges between the United States and China.

This May, The Philadelphia Orchestra wrapped up its 12th tour to China, which was also aimed at marking the four-decade milestone in U.S.-China diplomatic relations.

The famed U.S. orchestra has held concerts in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Hangzhou, along with coaching sessions in Chinese colleges from May 16-28.

The Philadelphia Orchestra's relationship with China predated the official ties between the two countries, said Ryan Fleur, executive director of the orchestra, adding that his orchestra will continue the efforts to bring the two peoples closer. Enditem

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