NEW YORK, July 10, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 7, 2015, the Chinese Embassy Consul General in New York held a special banquet in Carnegie Hall to celebrate the official commencement of the 2015 U.S. National Youth Symphony Orchestra summer tour in China. The U.S. Department of State praised the Carnegie tour as an important "cultural pillar" for the two countries. Dignitaries from China and the United States attending the banquet included former U.S. Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, Carnegie Hall Executive and Artistic Director, Clive Gillinson and renowned composer, Tan Dun.
In Consul General Ms. Zhang's first political speech, she mentioned the "Ping Pong Diplomacy" of forty years ago and Mr. Kissinger's visit to China; it is this historic advance which brought diplomacy and mutual trust between our two countries. Today, the era has evolved into a cultural and artistic exchange cultivated by "music diplomacy". Many Chinese leaders and people of influence promote cultural exchange as an important aspect of bilateral relations. In a comment from famous composer Tan Dun, he strongly praised the Carnegie Hall summer tour, and recognized the great contribution by Wailian Overseas Consulting Group's president, Mei He.
Carnegie Hall Executive and Artistic Director Mr. Clive Gillinson said, "This is the U.S. National Youth Symphony Orchestra's first tour in China. The Orchestra will open in China and will provide an excellent opportunity for music and culture". He later thanked Wailian for their support of the tour on Bloomberg and pointed out that Wailian's long-term commitment to promoting cultural exchanges and artistic developments between the two countries has made a significant positive contribution to the world.
Every summer, Carnegie Hall selects outstanding young musicians between the ages of 16 and 19 throughout the United States to become musical ambassadors as they tour the world. The participating artists this year are an unprecedented and powerful group, including renowned conductor Charles DuToit, pianist YunDi Li, and world-famous composer Tan Dun.
The close knit cooperation from both Chinese and American artists on this tour added numerous highlights. Tan Dun also shared with the audience the world premiere of his latest work, the ancient Chinese musical instruments simulating natural bird sounds, the vivid melodies setting off a nighttime climax. The orchestra also performed a wonderful piece comprising strong Chinese influence from "Spring River Flower and Moonlit Night", while a strong rhythmic percussion provides the extraordinary performance with various types of music and a solid foundation.
"Carnegie Youth Symphony Orchestra members have unique insight and passion for classical music. They are stars of understanding world music," said Tan Dun. He looks forward to his upcoming tour in China and hopes his talented young artists will deliver a show to remember.
The U.S. National Youth Symphony Orchestra will perform in New York's Carnegie Hall on July 11. Subsequently, they will begin their two-week summer tour in China visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi'an, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. They will end their tour with a performance in Hong Kong on July 26. The orchestra will perform many classical pieces including Beethoven's fifth Piano Concerto in E flat major giving Chinese music fans an outstanding performance.
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