As the Philadelphia Orchestra returns to China on its latest tour, which began on Oct 31 and runs until the coming Sunday, it is once again making history.

The full ensemble is embarking on its first tour of the country since 2019 and its 13th overall, the most by any American orchestra.

On Oct 30, one of the orchestra’s string quartets performed three short pieces at the National Museum of China, attracting crowds and receiving applause.