In a harmony of diplomacy and artistry, the Philadelphia Orchestra has returned to China to celebrate its 50th anniversary as America’s musical ambassador. Their 1973 tour broke political ice during the Cold War era 🕊️, and this latest visit aims to reignite cross-cultural connections through Beethoven, Bernstein, and modern melodies.
🌏 CGTN host Tian Wei sat down with orchestra members in Beijing to explore their role in uniting people through music. 'Notes don’t need visas,' one musician quipped, reflecting on decades of performances that turned concert halls into spaces for dialogue. From collaborating with local artists to mentoring students, the orchestra has woven a vibrant tapestry of US-China exchanges.
🎼 Why does this matter now? Amid global tensions, their story reminds us that shared passions – whether classic symphonies or TikTok dance challenges 💃 – can build bridges faster than politics. As the ensemble preps for shows in Shanghai and Wuhan, their journey proves that friendship, like good music, only gets richer with time.
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Watch: U.S. orchestra revisits China on a trip of friendship
cgtn.com