Music helps forge connections

People were trying to greet them in English, Booth said, and the orchestra members tried to greet them back in Chinese.

All these experiences were beyond just music, he said.

Another highlight of Booth's trip was seeing the Summer Palace, which he said is one of the most beautiful things on Earth.

"It's just breathtaking."

The team also traveled to the Great Wall in 1973.

"It was pristine and pure," Booth said. "It's an astonishing thing, and you know every time I go back, I see things. I've noticed over the years, which is very impressive, as are the big cities. They've done so many plantings. There are beautiful trees and beautiful flowers."

After 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra has traveled to China 11 times. Frequency and connection were far closer than expected at the beginning.

The last trip was in 2019 and it was then interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the orchestra and Chinese audience are excited that the tour is resuming.

"I can say that it's historical," Booth said.

"The relationship between the United States and China will get better, and I'd like to think that a lot of it would have to do with bringing music, and it works both ways. We've had many, many events where we get together, play and work together, both Chinese and American musicians."

Booth said he is looking forward to the trip to China.

"Every time we come, it's different. And I get to see different things, and I get to eat different foods and all sorts of wonderful things."