“The number of symphony orchestras has ballooned in China over the past few years, according to China’s Symphony Development Foundation,” writes Zhang Kun in Friday’s (6/9) China Daily USA. “Chen Guangxian, director of the foundation, said that there were around 30 professional symphony orchestras in China five years ago, with the number growing to 72 as of last year. Chen was speaking at an international forum [in Shanghai] … for the directors and conductors of more than 10 orchestras in China and the leaders of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Last year, Shanghai Oriental Art Center (SHOAC) signed a five-year strategic deal with the Philadelphia Orchestra. On May 26, the symphony gave its fifth performance at SHOAC.… During the forum, Allison Vulgamore, president of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ryan Fleur, the executive vice president, shared the 117-year-old company’s experience in … how it engages audiences and its management approach. Tong Ming, director of the Ningbo Symphony Orchestra of Zhejiang province … also [spoke]…. While each province has its own orchestra, a growing number of private symphonies have been emerging in China too. Chen attributed the rapid growth of symphony orchestras in China to the cultural development of Chinese people, as well as increasing support from the government.”
Posted June 12, 2017
Pictured: Shanghai Oriental Art Center
