The Philadelphia Orchestra Global Music Center is the Orchestra’s new international music education program that provides high school and conservatory students with premium instrument instruction, real life performance preparation, career guidance from Philadelphia Orchestra musicians and administrators, and a curriculum that addresses and bridges cultural differences through music education.
The Orchestra will launch its Global Music Center in the summer of 2021, with a one-week intensive pilot for students in China during the week of July 26.
As the first American orchestra to perform in the People's Republic of China, in 1973 under the legendary conductor Eugene Ormandy, the Global Music Center continues a tradition of innovation and friendship with young people and students throughout China that spans nearly five decades.
The Philadelphia Orchestra Global Music Center Advisory Board
Ambassador Nicholas Platt
Ambassador Nicholas Platt’s 34 years as a career diplomat includes service as U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, the Philippines, and Pakistan; for 12 years he was President of the Asia Society. A Foreign Service China language officer since the 1960s, Ambassador Platt's connection to the PRC began in 1972 as a member of the delegation accompanying President Nixon on the historic trip to Beijing. His relationship with The Philadelphia Orchestra began the following year, when as one of the original members of the resident U.S. Liaison Office diplomatic staff in Beijing, he managed arrangements for the Orchestra's September 1973 trip to China.
Bin Zhang
Bin Zhang is a Philadelphia Orchestra Board member and CEO of Chinaepay Financial Service Technology Co. Ltd. With extensive business expertise in China through such current and prior roles as Supervisor of Beijing Jiya Communication Engineering Co., and as Executive Director of Beijing Runnong Hexin Technology Co., Ltd., he serves as a consultant on this initiative, and more broadly, towards the Orchestra expanding its artistic and educational offerings beyond its tours and residencies.