Tours and Travels

As the Orchestra kicks off its 2013 Residency and Fortieth Anniversary Tour of China, Philadelphia Inquirer Music Critic David Patrick Stearns offers a sneak peek at the highlights of this history-making residency and tour. Check back frequently for more of David's stories from the road as he chronicles  his journeys through China with the Orchestra.   By David Patrick Stearns, Inquirer Music Critic

 

5/27/13, Philadelphia: The Orchestra’s train to New York City boards at 30th St. Station on the first leg of the 2013 Residency and 40th Anniversary Tour of China. Photo by Jan Regan.

After serving as the United States’ first cultural ambassador to China in 1973, The Philadelphia Orchestra launches the next chapter of its relationship with the People’s Republic—with performances and residency activities in Hangzhou, Shanghai, Tianjin, Beijing, and Macao.

February 10, Sarasota then Home - As the Orchestra prepares for its final performance of the tour, we enjoy a symphonic sunset over Sarasota yesterday evening, before heading to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Naples & Sarasota, February 9: A panoramic view of the stage, as the Orchestra performed for a packed house last night at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in sunny Naples. (Photo: Michel Fortier)

The crowd gives a well-deserved standing ovation to our musicians. Florida truly embraced us during this week-long tour. (Photo: Michel Fortier)

Miami and Naples, February 8 - Last night's concert in Miami--our first-ever at the Adrienne Arsht Center--was an absolutely magical experience. It is difficult to describe in words the sound that echos throughout each hall we have visited.

Miami, February 7 - Day four of our week-long Florida trip and we're now in Miami, also known as the "Magic City." However, we're pretty sure we have experienced some magic already these past few days! It has been a whirlwind week but we have had the privilege of meeting some amazing fans, while visiting with old friends, and enjoying some truly one-of-a kind concert experiences with Maestro Frühbeck and André Watts.

West Palm Beach, February 6 - We received a warm welcome from the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts when our bus pulled up before rehearsal this morning.

West Palm Beach, February 5: After arriving in Florida less than 24 hours ago, our musicians are already hard at work doing one of the things they do best—coaching young musicians. Earlier today, violinists Daniel Han and Paul Arnold, violist Rachel Ku, cellist Gloria de Pasquale, and double bassist Rob Kesselman paid a visit to the Palm Beach Public School Strings Program.

The Orchestra anxiously awaits takeoff as they prepare to embark on a week-long tour through the Sunshine State.

And they're off!

This morning, the Orchestra headed to the Philadelphia International Airport to embark on a five-concert, multi-city, week-long tour of Florida with guest conductor Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos.