Philadelphia Orchestra bridges ties with Wuxi

The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Wuxi Symphony Orchestra perform The Moon Reflected on the Second Spring together in Wuxi on Nov 14. [Video/IP Wuxi]

The highlight of the concert was the joint performance of The Moon Reflected on the Second Spring, a classic erhu piece by Hua, a blind musician from Wuxi.

The piece was chosen by the Philadelphia Orchestra during its historic visit to China in 1973, marking a milestone in cultural exchange between the two countries. In Nov 2023, the orchestra played it again at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing to commemorate the visit's 50th anniversary.

Performing the song in the composer's hometown with local musicians holds special significance for the US orchestra.

A violinist plays during the concert. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"We're very touched that we can collaborate with a piece that resonates so much with the city. To have this opportunity to be very intimate with the musicians here is very meaningful for us," said violinist Amy Oshiro-Morales.

Earlier that day, the orchestra held a pop-up concert in Wuxi's Jichang Garden, a classical and resplendent garden. The combination of the picturesque setting, with the splendor of the orchestra's music, attracted many tourists to stop and gaze in awe.

The Philadelphia Orchestra hosts a pop-up concert in Wuxi's Jichang Garden on Nov 14. [Photo by Zong Xiaodong]