In a historic reunion 50 years in the making, the Philadelphia Orchestra has returned to China to mark the anniversary of their groundbreaking visit in 1973. The orchestra's trip comes at a time of strained relations between the United States and China, as the two economic giants continue to clash over trade, technology, defense, and human rights. However, the musicians aim to use the power of music to bridge the divide and bring the two nations closer together.

Davyd Booth, now 73 years old, was just 23 when he first traveled to China as a violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He vividly remembers the uniformity of the people at the time, with everyone sporting the same hairstyle and jackets. Beijing was mostly farmland, with wooden carts and wheels, providing a stark contrast to the modern metropolis it has become today. Reflecting on the changes he has witnessed, Booth notes that China's rapid industrial growth has led to cleaner air and a more prosperous population, akin to the experiences in the United States.

The Philadelphia Orchestra's visit to China is seen as a sign of improving ties between the two countries, ahead of a highly anticipated meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in San Francisco. Both sides hope that this meeting will bring stability to the relationship, although major breakthroughs are not expected. Booth highlights the interconnectedness of the two nations, emphasizing that many Chinese citizens play for the Philadelphia Orchestra and that China manufactures a significant portion of goods used by Americans.

Despite the political disagreements, the musicians firmly believe in the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite people. Booth, who has been on every trip to China since 1973, emphasizes that music touches the hearts of everyone, regardless of their background or upbringing. The Philadelphia Orchestra's performances with the China National Symphony Orchestra at the National Centre for the Performing Arts aim to showcase the shared love and appreciation for music that exists between the two nations.

Following their concert in Beijing, the orchestra will continue their tour with performances at the Tianjin Julliard School and chamber concerts in Shanghai and Suzhou. They will also conduct master classes during their stay, further promoting cultural exchanges between the musicians and Chinese students. The Philadelphia Orchestra's commitment to using music as a bridge for people-to-people exchanges has been praised by Yang Wanming, the president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.

This visit by the Philadelphia Orchestra is not an isolated event. It is part of a broader effort to reestablish connections between the United States and China that were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tour coincides with the American Ballet Theatre's tour in China, emphasizing the growing cultural exchanges between the two nations. Additionally, high-level visits from U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, demonstrate a willingness to restore contacts and improve relations.

As the world eagerly awaits the meeting between Presidents Biden and Xi, the Philadelphia Orchestra's tour serves as a symbol of hope and unity. Despite the current political climate, the musicians are determined to continue their decades-long endeavor to bring the United States and China closer together through the universal language of music. With each performance, master class, and cultural exchange, they strive to foster understanding, friendship, and harmony between the people of both nations.