One of America’s great musical ensembles — the Philadelphia Orchestra, founded in 1900 and based in the city of the same name — is returning to China. 

Celebrated globally as "The Sound of Philadelphia" for its rich and radiant performances, in 1972 it became the first internationally acclaimed symphony orchestra to visit the country following the founding of the People's Republic of China. 

Over the past 50 years, the orchestra has visited more than 10 times, actively fostering cultural and artistic exchanges between the two nations.

For its own part, Bank of China has collaborated with the Philadelphia Orchestra on numerous occasions. 

In 2012, it exclusively supported the Philadelphia Orchestra Week in China, sponsored the 2023 concert commemorating the 50th anniversary of the orchestra's visit to China and continued its support for its performances in China in 2024 and 2025.

The special anniversary concert of the Philadelphia Orchestra's 1973 China tour is held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts on the evening of Nov 10, 2023. [Photo/WeChat account: bankofchina2016]