Veteran violinist strikes a chord for stronger China-US ties

For Davyd Booth, the 74-year-old veteran violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, touring China is more than just a musical journey — it's a celebration of cultural connection and joy.

Between Oct 31 and Nov 10 of last year, he returned for the orchestra's 14th tour of the country since 1973, taking it to Beijing, Tianjin, Chengdu in Sichuan province, and Haikou in Hainan province.

The performances were met with enthusiastic applause, reinforcing the power of music in bridging nations.

The Philadelphia Orchestra has a large fan base in China and occupies a prominent place in cultural exchanges between China and the United States.

In 1973, it was the first American ensemble to perform here after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, an event that marked a significant thaw in cultural relations between the two nations.

The historic visit was Booth's first trip to China and the beginning of his strong connection to the country.

Reflecting on his experiences, Booth says that the bond the orchestra has developed with China is what keeps him coming back.

"Some Chinese orchestras have come to Philadelphia to play, and we have played with them," he says, adding that this friendship is closely bonded.

Last year, the orchestra performed alongside the China National Symphony Orchestra and the Asian Performing Arts Council, or APAC. Booth fondly recalls being gifted a box of tea by one of the Chinese musicians who shared the stage with him.

Over the course of the last five decades, the veteran violinist has made many Chinese friends, connections that extend beyond music lovers to include those who have collaborated with the orchestra, assisted during its travels, or who have reached out through social media.

He speaks highly of the local audience, describing Chinese people as big music lovers. "We feel the energy and love from them just as much as we send it out into the auditorium," he says.

"Although we play all over the world, there's no other country we have become so close to and developed such an enduring relationship with," he adds.