The Philadelphia Orchestra this week announced a series of events to celebrate the 35th anniversary of official diplomatic relations between the United States and China.

The orchestra has been at the forefront of improving US-China relations ever since its groundbreaking 1973 visit to China. To commemorate, and build on that historic tour, the orchestra is presenting a Nov. 7 concert by the Chinese National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra, NCPAO.

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What's more, Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter has declared Nov. 6 to be "NCPAO Day in Philadelphia." The city will host a series of activities to honor the Chinese and Philadelphia orchestras at that time.

The concert is scheduled to take place at Kimmel Center Verizon Hall, the Philadelphia Orchestra home and be simulcast by the Xinhui Media Group in Shanghai. Yuja Wang, a Chinese pianist educated in Philadelphia, also will perform.

Considered the crown jewel of Chinese orchestras, NCPAO is a strategic partner of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The Chinese orchestra also will perform at Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, New York and Washington D.C. during its November tour.

Philadelphia Orchestra conducted a successful tour of China from May 21 to June 6. This tour also represented the successful introduction of new orchestra musical director Yannick Nezet-Seguin. Performers went to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Changsha playing works by Mahler, Tchaikovsky and Mozart. Chinese composer Tan Dun's work called "Nu Shu: The Secret Songs of Women" was performed as well.

The November concert and NCPAO tour was announced during a news conference at the Chinese Embassy at Washington, D.C. Top officials from the Chinese Embassy, led by Lu Kang, deputy chief of mission, and the U.S. State Department, led by Greta Morris, acting deputy assistant secretary for public diplomacy, attended the event along with orchestra leaders.

Allison Vulgamore, Philadelphia Orchestra president and chief executive officer, said the orchestra was committed to cultural reciprocity, adding cultural contacts between the two nations were important to sustain through coming years.

Lu said cultural exchanges brought people together in unique ways. He thanks the Philadelphia Orchestra for continuing the musical exchanges.

TagsPhiladelphia Orchestra, US-China relations, Chinese National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra, US-China cultural exchanges