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While most of the Orchestra went directly to the 2013 Residency and Fortieth Anniversary Tour’s official first stop in Huangzhou, nine musicians who were part of the historic 1973 Tour of China and several members of the administration and special guests arrived at Shanghai Pudong Airport for an Arrival Ceremony that mimicked the Orchestra’s 1973 welcome to Shanghai. They were greeted by dignitaries, the media, and children who presented bouquets of flowers.

5/29/13, Shanghai: Philadelphia Orchestra violinist Booker Rowe, one of nine Orchestra musicians on this tour who were part of the historic 1973 Tour of China, is greeted upon arrival at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Photo by Jan Regan.

5/29/13, Shanghai: All nine musicians who were part of the 1973 Tour and who are joining the 2013 Tour, along with Ambassador Nicholas Platt and Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore, pose with children who greeted them with flowers at the special Arrival Ceremony in Shanghai. Photo by Jan Regan.

5/29/13, Shanghai: Children who welcomed the Orchestra to Shanghai and the media eagerly await the beginning of the official Arrival Ceremony at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Photo by Jan Regan.

5/29/13, Shanghai: Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore speaks at the commemorative Arrival Ceremony. Photo by Jan Regan.

5/29/13, Shanghai: Retired Associate Principal Clarinet Donald Montanaro, who was on the historic 1973 visit to China, listens to remarks made at the Arrival Ceremony at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Photo by Jan Regan.

5/29/13, Shanghai: Well-known Chinese musician and composer Lu Chunling performs on a traditional Chinese flute at the special ceremony welcoming the Orchestra to China. Photo by Jan Regan.

5/29/13, Shanghai: An official portrait with all the participants and guests at Shanghai Pudong Airport following the Fortieth Anniversary Arrival Ceremony. Photo by Jan Regan.

5/29/13, Shanghai: On the Orchestra’s first night in China, a benefit dinner was held for the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation—Pearl S. Buck Charitable Fund, at which a tribute was given to the important role of The Philadelphia Orchestra in U.S.-China relations. Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore greets the crowd before making remarks. Photo by Jan Regan.

5/29/13, Shanghai: Orchestra violinists Daniel Han and Yayoi Numazawa performed at the benefit dinner. Photo by Jan Regan.