Welcome to the National Arts Centre Orchestra’s 2013 Performance and Education Tour of China.

Peter Herrndorf Backed by significant public and private sector support, the Orchestra is performing eight major concerts over 17 days in seven cities including Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Beijing and Shanghai. Our musicians are also taking part in 80 educational activities, two interactive distance-learning events and a live webcast. As its legacy, the Tour will help establish high-definition videoconference connections at China’s leading music conservatories, linking their students to the world for teaching and mentoring.

The NAC Orchestra has a long and prestigious history of international touring. Our musicians have performed in a phenomenal 122 global communities through 30 international tours since 1969. “Canada’s Orchestra” was in fact designed for touring, with the aspiration to bring the Canadian brand to audiences around the world. Our Presenting Partner Aimia and Honorary Patron Richard Li lead the way for a host of corporate and individual supporters who have come together to make the China Tour possible as a shining example of cultural exchange through music and education.

Under Pinchas Zukerman’s leadership, our musicians are performing works by outstanding Canadian composers John Estacio and Alexina Louie, as well as masterworks by Tchaikovsky and Brahms. They are also visiting schools, teaching masterclasses and reaching out across the Pacific through our cutting-edge videoconference technology… in a way that will open doors and create a legacy of collaboration.

The 2013 China Tour is not only a milestone in the storied 44-year history of the NAC, it is cultural diplomacy at its best.

Peter A. Herrndorf, O.C.
President and CEO National Arts Centre

A message from the Government of China

H.E. Zhang JunsaiDuring Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s visit to China in 2012, leaders of the two countries agreed to announce 2013 and 2014 as Years of Cultural Series Activities in China and Canada. In that spirit, I warmly congratulate the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada on their upcoming visit to China, which strongly implements the consensus reached by our leaders.

Recent years have witnessed a deepened mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of China and Canada, along with the strengthened bilateral cooperation in culture, education, economic and trade areas. I am convinced that the Years of Cultural Series Activities will further enrich our bilateral relations and bring our cultural exchanges to a new high!

Travelling across long distances, the National Arts Centre Orchestra of Canada is visiting China for the first time. The beautiful blessings they bring to the Chinese people as well as the sharing of achievements in art and music education will undoubtedly make the visit an outstanding one in the bilateral history, and inject more vigor and vitality to the friendship between our two peoples.

I wish their visit and performance a great success!

H.E. Zhang Junsai
Ambassador of the People’s
Republic of China to Canada

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