(Philadelphia, November 15, 2019)—Officials from The Philadelphia Orchestra, the China Conservatory of Music, and the Global Music Education League today signed a five-year agreement in Beijing formalizing the Orchestra’s role in the China International Music Competition. Each year, starting in 2021, that the Orchestra travels to Beijing with Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, they will participate in the final concert of the China International Music Competition. The Orchestra will also be involved in coaching, master classes, and joint music-making opportunities with the students and faculty of the China Conservatory of Music.

In May 2019, Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra performed as part of the inaugural China International Music Competition, which was devoted to piano performance. Disciplines for subsequent years will be announced at a later date and competitors will be selected through an application process. During the years when the full Philadelphia Orchestra is not touring China, the Orchestra will send musicians to participate in the concert and to work with the Conservatory.

“Supporting future generations of artists is central to The Philadelphia Orchestra’s mission and Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s vision,” said Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky. “Witnessing Yannick’s special connection with young pianists in last year’s competition was inspiring. We are delighted to extend this partnership to further the training and development of young musicians and to build on our deep partnerships through music in China.”