by Yang Shilong, Li Xirui
NEW YORK, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- More than five decades after first traveling to China with the Philadelphia Orchestra, veteran violinist Davyd Booth said the country has become an enduring part of both his professional career and personal life.
"My life and career have been bookended with China -- the country, the people, the music, the relationships," Booth, 74, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
Booth first visited China in 1973, when the Philadelphia Orchestra made its debut as the first American orchestra to perform in the People's Republic of China since its founding in 1949. The historic tour took place as China and the United States began to normalize relations, six years ahead of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979.
Over the decades, Booth has traveled to China more than 15 times with the orchestra, giving him an unusual vantage point from which to witness the country's transformation.
"I feel very fortunate that I was able to see the vast differences at those two different times," he said. "The way China has developed in all ways since then has been really remarkable."
In 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping replied to a letter from the then-president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, recalling the ensemble's historic China tour in 1973 and its instrumental role in strengthening China-U.S. ties since then.
For Booth, the letter was recognition of a relationship that musicians on both sides had spent decades building.
"The Philadelphia Orchestra plays all over the world in so many different countries, but there's no country with which we've developed as close a relationship as we have with China," he said. "It's really wonderful. As musicians, we like to see how what we do influences and touches people."
Booth said he was also encouraged to see leaders from both countries recognize the importance of cultural exchanges.
"It's incredibly important that people remain friendly, bridge gaps, and help our two countries better understand and get along with each other," he said, adding that culture and music can be particularly powerful in connecting young people.
One encounter during a visit to a Chinese school has remained especially vivid in his memory. Orchestra members were invited to interact with students when one child reached out, took Booth's hand and pulled him up. The two began swaying together to the music.
"I'm feeling this little tiny hand -- this was an incredible connection," Booth recalled. "Music is a universal language," he said.
For Booth, exchanges have never flowed in only one direction. Chinese music and instruments have increasingly become part of the orchestra's own musical experience. He pointed to its Chinese Lunar New Year concerts, which have featured Chinese elements, including pipa concertos.
"These are things that have entered our regular repertoire of sounds and compositions that we actually play," Booth said. "That's how close and how integrated this relationship has become. You know, it's not one-sided in any way."
Looking ahead, Booth said he hopes more young Americans will have the opportunities to travel to China and experience its music, culture and history firsthand.
"Seeing these things so old and still very vibrant and relevant to your culture and your daily way of life, this is something that's really astonishing," he said. "Young people, especially from this country, I think, should see that. It spurs their imagination, their creativity."
After more than half a century, Booth has told the stories of his experiences in China many times. He said he does not tire of doing so.
"I never forget that I have had a very unique experience, and I consider myself very lucky that I'm able to share these stories with people," he said. "I'm happy that I can do that, and I hope that I'll be able to do it as long as I possibly can."
"China is a part of this life of mine," Booth said. ■