The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra captivated audiences at the Zhejiang Concert Hall during the 7th China-U.S. Sister Cities Conference, marking its first performance in China. Ahead of the concert, orchestra president Mark Hanson and cellist Li Bo shared their insights with CGTN, emphasizing music's universal power to transcend political and cultural divides.
"Melodies speak a language everyone understands," said Hanson, highlighting the orchestra's mission to foster mutual respect between Chinese and American communities. Li Bo, a cellist with the ensemble, echoed this sentiment: "When we play, differences fade. We're united by the same emotional rhythms."
The performance aligns with broader efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties amid evolving China-U.S. relations. Cultural exchanges like this conference have gained renewed attention from business leaders and policymakers seeking stable bilateral engagement frameworks.
Academics note such initiatives could inspire similar collaborations across Asia, where cultural diplomacy increasingly complements economic partnerships. For diaspora communities and travelers, events like this offer accessible gateways to appreciate shared artistic heritage.
