In 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra became the first U.S. orchestra to perform in China, marking the beginning of an “ice-breaking journey” of cultural exchanges between the two countries. Over the past five decades, the orchestra has embarked on 12 tours to major cities in China. Being an old friend to China, it has contributed significantly to fostering deep ties between the two peoples through the bridge of music.

Eight Musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra Perform alongside the China NCPA Orchestra on November 11, 2023

In November 2023, part of members of the Philadelphia Orchestra visited the NCPA to participate in a series of activities, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the orchestra’s first visit to China. In a reply letter to Matías Tarnopolsky, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated, “Music transcends borders and culture builds bridges between countries. We hope that the Philadelphia Orchestra and artists from China, the U.S. and other countries in the world will work together to uphold equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, strengthen exchanges and cooperation to advance artistic prosperity, and write a new chapter of people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and the U.S. and friendship among all the people in the world.”

Live Performance

On the evening of October 31, a new historic chapter was written as the full ensemble of the Philadelphia Orchestra returned to the stage of the NCPA. Led by the orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop, they once again offered a musical journey for the Chinese audience, strengthening the musical friendship between the two peoples.

As the Overture for Rossini’s The Barber of Seville rang, the concert hall seemed to come alive with a burst of vibrant energy. The strings played with a light and lively rhythm, resembling joyful sprites gracefully dancing on stage. The bright tones of the woodwinds gradually joined in, evoking the joyful atmosphere of countless households spreading through the air.

Live Performance

The second half of the concert began with the grand piece of Dvořák’s The Symphony No.9 in E minor, “From the New World”. Under the brilliant performance of the orchestra, the entire concert hall resonated with a powerful and majestic atmosphere. The audience felt the power conveyed by the music, as if they were collectively opening a vast and dramatic painting scroll.

After the formal program concluded, the audience greeted the far-travelled artists with enthusiastic applause and cheers. The orchestra then returned to the stage for an encore, performing Brahms’ Hungarian Dances No.5, which once again brought the atmosphere to a climax.

Conductor Marin Alsop Accepts Media Interview Before Performance

Before the concert, Conductor Marin Alsop, who was making her second visit to the NCPA, said in an interview, “I believe the deep connection between the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Chinese people truly reflects how music can bring us mutual respect and understanding. Therefore, I feel deeply honored to be the conductor of this tour.”

(Edited based on relevant information from Beijing Daily and NCPA)