On November 16, the Philadelphia Orchestra marked a significant milestone in its history by celebrating the 50th anniversary of its cultural exchanges with China. In an extraordinary collaboration, the orchestra joined forces with the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra in Suzhou, located in East China’s Jiangsu Province, to perform “Mo Li Hua” (“Jasmine Flower”), a cherished folk melody from Jiangsu.
Fifty years ago, the Philadelphia Orchestra embarked on a groundbreaking journey to China, becoming one of the first American orchestras to visit the country after the historic rapprochement between China and the United States. This “ice-breaking journey” played a pivotal role in normalizing relations between the two nations through the universal language of music.
To commemorate this half-century of musical diplomacy, the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra extended a heartfelt gesture by presenting 21 jasmine flower bracelets to members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Crafted in just 24 hours, these bracelets symbolized the enduring friendship between the two orchestras. The jasmine flower, iconic in Jiangsu culture, embodies harmony and elegance—qualities that resonate deeply in this cross-cultural exchange.
Ryan Fleur, CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, reflected on the significance of the event, emphasizing that “music has the power to transcend cultures, which is especially important in these times.” The collaboration not only celebrated past achievements but also looked forward to continued cultural dialogue and mutual understanding between China and the United States.
The joint performance of “Jasmine Flower” served as a reminder of the shared human experiences that music can evoke, bridging gaps and fostering connections across borders. As both orchestras continue to champion cultural exchange, their partnership stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to unite people from diverse backgrounds.
Reference(s):
We Talk: Chinese and American orchestras co-stage 'Jasmine Flower'
cgtn.com
