TheMKsport British Embassy in China hosted a kick-off reception for the UK's Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) China Tour 2024 at the Residence of the British Ambassador in Beijing on August 7. The internationally acclaimed RPO will perform nine concerts in seven cities from August 8 to 18. This is not only an important tour of major British art institutions to China this year, but also a new demonstration of in-depth cultural exchanges between the two countries. 

British Ambassador to China Caroline Wilson (5th from the left) and distinguished guests pose for a group photo at the launch reception in Beijing, on August 7, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of the British Embassy in China

In her address, British Ambassador to China Caroline Wilson noted that over the last few months, the embassy has been running a campaign in China-themed UK Music Is More Than Music. 

"The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has been actively forging partnerships with Chinese cultural institutions such as the National Center of Performing Art, where they will be performing this week, and the Beijing Poly Cultural Group over a number of years. Those partnerships enhance cultural exchange and make this magical enriching world even more accessible," she said.

Under the guidance of Music Director Vasily Petrenko, the RPO will perform in Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen, Changsha, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shenzhen.

The Orchestra and Petrenko will perform a repertoire comprising a rich blend of British, Chinese and Russian music, including works by Benjamin Britten, Tan Dun, Guan Xia, Shostakovich and Rimsky-Korsakov. The tour will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of Guan Xia's opera "Mulan" with a specially arranged orchestral suite from the opera. 

The tour marks the RPO's first visit to China with its new music director and its first tour of the country since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The RPO is represented by Armstrong International Music & Arts Enterprises Ltd, an internationally renowned classical music agency and production management company, in China. 

Wray Armstrong, chairman and CEO of Armstrong International Music & Arts Enterprises Ltd, told the Global Times, "This is the first time this level of orchestra is coming to the NCPA for very big programs. I think that really shows not only the value of the orchestra but the value of the music, that they [RPO] can bring the biggest and the best to the NCPA especially. We are so pleased that the concerts are sold out. I think it shows that when we bring quality, Chinese people know quality."