In a step toward a residency, the Philadelphia Orchestra is venturing where no American orchestra has ventured before. That is, in June 2017, the company will touch down at Genghis Khan International Airport in Mongolia and perform a series of concerts for the natives.
It certainly is the 21st century when globalization can bring the music of a small American city to the beautiful and supremely open landscape of Mongolia. As it's been announced, this is the first step toward an Asian residency since Mongolian officials began eyeing the orchestra years ago.
According to Philly, the concert is a way to extend civil relations with the region:
"A memorandum of understanding with the government of Mongolia was scheduled to be announced today at the Capitol in Washington. The agreement also enhances diplomatic relations that have existed with now-democratic Mongolia for more 30 years.
"Altangerel echoed what Chinese officials have often said of China: Mongolia wants the best, and the Philadelphia Orchestra has that kind of international brand."
And as part of its endeavor to the foreign land, their visit June 5-9 will encapsulate a small leg of a larger Asian tour and will include one traditional concert coupled with a slew of outreach activities extending to local concert musicians.
Music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin will conduct and act as a sort of musical ambassador as many orchestras have not yet firmly planted a foot in such an ancient oriented culture.
Back in 1973, however, the Philadelphia Orchestra became the first U.S. classical organization to play China just following Richard Nixon's visit to the region as well as the first orchestra to stand and play in Vietnam.
A most resounding appointment, the orchestra should help diplomatic relations with Mongolia go a step further.
Check out what's in store for the nation below.
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