The Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra toured and performed throughout China in the 2007 American Celebration of Music in China concert series put on by Music Celebrations International. Fran Richman, executive director, reported

“the trip was absolutely wonderful—and the on-the-ground people were truly fabulous!”

The f0llowing are excerpts from MYSO’s tour blog:

What an amazing day! We started with the Great Wall—where we heard over and over “I can’t believe I’m actually here!” A great performance with a wonderfully international audience and with the Great Wall visible both behind AND in front of the orchestra, then a great climb (ah, youth!), a great visit to the cloisonné factory, with a great lunch to boot, and then a performance by a troupe of great Chinese acrobats./blockquote>

Xi’an rolled out the red carpet for MYSO with a Royal Welcome Ceremony in front of the main gate that leads into the ancient city–modern day Xi’an now extends well beyond the boundaries of the old city walls. City officials presented Fran Richman, Margery Deutsch, Carter Simmons, and Susan Wernecke with a key to the Xi’an city gate. Following the presentation, MYSO students were welcomed into the gated city by musicians and dancers, and then lead into another part of the city for more music and dance!

After a short rest at the hotel, we had a rehearsal at the Xi’an Grand Hotel Theater (a change of venue from your tourbooks–a lovely hall!). After dinner, we performed our final concert in China. And what a concert it was!! A full house, an extremely appreciative audience, and a strong performance by the orchestra.

Anonymous: “Wow! What an amazing final concert! The audience actually wanted us to play encores. They loved us! I got three autographs–wait–I mean I signed three autographs. The constant snapping of cameras was like paparazzi! I now have enough happiness to last three years at least!”

To view the full tour blog, click here