Α concert jointly presented by the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra was held at the Conference Center of ShanghaiTech University οn the evening of October 17. Hosted by ShanghaiTech, this performance marked an exciting upgrade in the collaboration between the two orchestras—from last year’s chamber music partnership to a full symphonic co-performance—bringing the audience an awe-inspiring artistic feast.
From chamber music to symphony
The evening’s repertoire balanced classical elegance with creative expression. In the first half, the two orchestras’ string quartets performed traditional chamber works by Antonín Dvořák and Felix Mendelssohn, showcasing the timeless charm of classical music.
In the second half, the whole joint orchestra took the stage with grandeur, premiering the newly revised Symphony No. 10 “Peking Fantasy” (2025 version) by Peng-Peng Gong, composer-in-residence of the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra. The genesis of this symphony is itself a model of China–U.S. artistic collaboration: jointly commissioned by the two orchestras in 2019, it made its world premiere that same year at the Philadelphia Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve Celebration.
Peng-Peng Gong introduced the “Peking Fantasy” (2025 Version).
Six years later, the 2025 revision returned in a more refined and expressive form. Interweaving tradition and modernity, East and West, the piece spoke in a universal musical language, sharing with the world the enduring beauty and innovative vitality of Chinese culture.
Renowned pianist Kong Xiang-Dong also performed George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” bringing to the evening a dialogue between Chinese creativity and American jazz-inflected modernism.
Pianist Kong Xiang-Dong.
Fusion of art and science
First-class innovation thrives in a culture that nourishes the spirit. A key highlight of this collaboration was its integration of artistic education and scientific creativity. As the builder and witness of this bridge of friendship, ShanghaiTech University exemplified its philosophy of “holistic education” by bringing world-class artistic resources to campus.
Prior to the formal performance, the joint rehearsal session was open to ShanghaiTech’s students and faculty. They observed the rehearsal process, experienced firsthand the nuances of artistic collaboration, and engaged in direct dialogue with the musicians—an immersive “performance + interaction” experience that harmonized humanistic spirit and scientific curiosity.
A lasting bond between two countries
As the first American orchestra to visit China in 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra has maintained a profound connection with China for over half a century. In recent years, the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra has persisted in promoting the dissemination of China’s traditional culture, fostering the integration of Chinese and Western cultures. Since 2016, the two orchestras have established extensive collaborations including concerts, masterclasses, creative lectures, and talent training programs.
ShanghaiTech University held the first joint concert by the two orchestras on November 13, 2019, followed by a concert brought by the Philadelphia Orchestra in November 2023, and a joint chamber music in November 2024. This year’s symphonic performance marks a renewed and deepened artistic partnership, as well as a step forward in ShanghaiTech’s engagement with global artistic institutions.
Though the curtain has now fallen, the exchange of art never ceases. This performance stands as a vivid example of how an innovative university like ShanghaiTech infuses science with the power of art. The creativity and humanistic spirit it inspires will continue to accompany the intellectual journeys of ShanghaiTech’s students and faculty.