Over 100 musicians from the New York Philharmonic (NY Phil), along with their instruments, stage crew, and support staff, recently concluded a multi-city tour of the Chinese mainland, strengthening cultural ties through the universal language of classical music.
The 2024 tour, which ran from June 27 to July 7, featured performances in Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Shanghai. Beyond concerts, the NY Phil engaged in educational initiatives through the Shanghai Orchestra Academy (SOA), a collaborative program with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. These activities aimed to nurture the next generation of classical musicians in Asia.
This tour marked the NY Phil’s return to the Chinese mainland with a full orchestra since their last visit in 2019. While a smaller group of nine musicians performed in Shanghai during their Asia tour last year, this year’s full ensemble performance is noteworthy as the first by a major U.S. orchestra in the Chinese mainland since the pandemic began. In a similar cultural exchange, 14 musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra visited Beijing, Tianjin, Suzhou, and Shanghai last November to hold residencies and perform concerts.
The NY Phil’s performances were met with enthusiastic audiences, reflecting a growing appreciation for classical music in the region. The tour not only showcased timeless compositions but also fostered international collaboration and understanding through music.
The success of the tour underscores the enduring power of cultural exchange in strengthening global relationships. As the world continues to navigate post-pandemic realities, such events signify a hopeful return to international cooperation and artistic collaboration.
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New York Philharmonic brings over 100 musicians to China for concerts
cgtn.com
