From Mao to Mozart: The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 80-year relationship with China
Listen 12:50
The Philadelphia Orchestra Group was welcomed by the Chinese audience as it gave a concert in Peking on Sept. 14, 1973. (AP Photo/Hsinhua News Agency)
Despite the U.S. and China’s complex and often tense relationship, The Philadelphia Orchestra has a longstanding relationship with China dating back to the 1940s. Nearly 80 years later, why does the orchestra still occupy such a special place in Chinese culture? On this episode of The Why, Jennifer Lin, producer of the upcoming documentary “Beethoven in Bejing,” explains the history of this unlikely relationship.
Brought to you by The Why
Nicole Jordan will be the first Black woman to join the orchestra as a full-time member in the organization’s 120-year history.
2 months ago
Philadelphia Orchestra to premiere new work written for the pandemic
“Seven O’Clock Shout,” written and performed in isolation, is a tribute to moments of humanity during strife.
2 months ago
Listen 2:23
Cranes, bicycles, and Beethoven’s 6th: Philadelphia Orchestra remembers 1973 in Beijing
Reporters from Chinese media invited to Philadelphia, ask the Orchestra about U.S-China relations, and what China was like back during their first visit.
1 year ago