Philadelphia Orchestra Returns to China for 50th Anniversary, Seeks Cultural Bridge Amid Political Tensions

Orchestra offers master classes and will perform at multiple venues; Visit serves as a landmark event before upcoming meeting between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping.

• The Philadelphia Orchestra, with violinist Davyd Booth and 13 other members, returned to China to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their historic 1973 visit.
• The visit, marked by a performance with the China National Symphony Orchestra, comes ahead of a crucial meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, potentially signaling improving ties between the two countries.
• During their visit, members of the Philadelphia Orchestra are offering master classes and are scheduled to perform at the Tianjin Julliard School, with chamber concerts in Shanghai, and the nearby historic city of Suzhou.
• The Philadelphia Orchestra emphasizes the universality of music as a cultural bridge, despite political disagreements and differences between the US and China.
• Violinist Davyd Booth reflects on the drastic transformation of China since his first visit in 1973, noting the progress from a predominantly rural society to a rapidly modernizing nation.

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