Breaking: Philly cracks 5-year deal with Beijing
mainThe Philadelphia Orchestra has done a five-year deal with the China Conservatory of Music to accompany the now-annual China International Music Competition.
In the next contest, held in Beijing next May, 24 violinists from around the world, aged 16 and 28, will contest a first prize worth US$150,000, with second and third prizes of US$75,000 and US$30,000.
The inaugural Competition this year, won by Canadian pianist Tony Siqi Yun, had Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting the Phillies in the final.
In the years to come, players from 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.
Something is not computing here. Recently the Eastman Philharmonia cancelled a tour to China because Koreans weren’t allowed into the country. Will Koreans in the Philly also be uninvited?
I think that all of the PhilaOrch musicians of Korean origin or heritage are now American citizens or at least permanent US residents with a green card.
The Korean students from Eastman were in the USA on student visas, I believe.
That said, I find the vagaries of the Chinese government inconsistent and disturbing especially when dealing with visiting musicians.
another competition that needs transparency …
Seems like a bit of needless gold-plating; surely one of the local Chinese orchestras would be up to the task?
it’s all about buying prestige, and therefore, respect, just like Hermes, Gucci, Rolex, Rolls Royce etc. They have the money, and American orchestras need the money.
Probably not, at this moment.
I think that’s why it’s a five year deal. The Chinese will steal from the Philly and create their own orchestra in five years (they like 5 year plans). They are very nationalistic and do the same thing in economics and business.
Smart for the Philly but good for a limited time only.
Yes, indeed.
Probably bad long term also for US conservatories who currently fill their ranks with Chinese nationals. Soon the Chinese will have better opportunities at home.
Aah some more fine china-ass-lickery!