The Philadelphia Orchestra is holding firm to plans for regular, lengthy visits to China. The orchestra said on Thursday it would tour the country from May 29 to June 10 and offer master classes, coaching sessions and workshops with young music students and local professional orchestra musicians. The orchestra made a similar visit last May, saying it would become a regular affair.
In a notable absence, Philadelphia’s new music director, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, will not be leading the tour because of a previous commitment with another orchestra he leads, the Rotterdam Philharmonic, although will be available for a 2014 visit to China. Donald Runnicles will conduct the Philadelphians, who will be marking the 40th anniversary of their first visit to China - and the first ever by a major American orchestra. Seven members who made that trip still play in the orchestra and will be honored in a ceremony at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, officials said.
