The Philadelphia Orchestra to Tour South Korea and China in November

The Philadelphia Orchestra will return to South Korea and China in November 2026 to share the joy of orchestral music through concerts and activities that serve as a bridge for musical and cultural exchange.

The Orchestra celebrates its 10th visit to South Korea with performances in Incheon—Philadelphia’s Sister City—and Seoul. The ensemble’s 14th tour of China—the most by any American orchestra—includes full orchestra performances in Haikou and Beijing, as well as a host of activities in those cities, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. 

Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop, who conducted the Orchestra’s last visit to China in 2024, leads the tour, with acclaimed pianist Yunchan Lim joining the Orchestra in Korea and heralded pianist Haochen Zhang performing in China. 

“Music has a unique ability to bring people together across cultures, languages, and borders, creating connections that can endure over generations,” said President and CEO Ryan Fleur. “The Philadelphia Orchestra is honored to celebrate nearly 50 years of musical exchange with South Korea and more than 50 years of connection with the people of China. This tour will deepen the cultural bridges between these countries, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia, as we also celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. We look forward to returning to Korea and China and continuing this remarkable tradition of musical exchange through performances and engagement with students, musicians, and communities.”

At concerts in Incheon and Seoul, Lim will perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Alsop and the Orchestra. Zhang joins the Orchestra in Haikou and Beijing for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emperor”) and Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. 

Throughout the tour, the Orchestra will perform Barber’s Symphony No. 1, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, Brahms’s Academic Festival Overture, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7, Montgomery’s Strum, Mozart’s Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, Strauss’s Don Juan, and Stravinsky’s Suite from The Firebird. 

The Philadelphia Orchestra’s signature residency program in China has fostered meaningful exchange since it began 14 years ago, showcasing artistic excellence on stage and deepening connections through education and community engagement initiatives. Through music lessons in schools, performances in hospitals, master classes, events with diplomats and business leaders, and pop-up community performances, the Orchestra and its partners bring musicians and communities together in ways that inspire, connect, and endure. 

Throughout China, members of the Orchestra will participate in various residency activities in Haikou, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.  

Orchestra Concert Schedule  

• Incheon November 5 at Arts Center Incheon 
• Seoul November 6 at Seoul Arts Center (private concert) 
• Seoul November 7 at Seoul Arts Center 
• Seoul November 8 at Seoul Arts Center 
• Seoul November 9 at Lotte Concert Hall 
• Haikou November 11 at the Haikou Bay Performing Arts Center 
• Haikou November 12 at the Haikou Bay Performing Arts Center 
• Beijing November 14 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts 
• Beijing November 15 at the Beijing Performing Arts Center 

The November 11 concert marks the Orchestra’s debut at the Haikou Bay Performing Arts Center. The November 15 concert marks its debut at the Beijing Performing Arts Center. 

For program details, see here.

About The Philadelphia Orchestra’s Touring History in South Korea and China 

The Philadelphia Orchestra has a long and distinguished touring history, connecting with people around the world through music, and is one of the most-traveled American symphonic ensembles. 

South Korea has held a special place in the Orchestra’s history, with nine previous visits under five music directors between 1978 and 2019.