On November 16, the Philadelphia Orchestra celebrated its 50th anniversary of cultural exchange in China. Collaborating with the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra for the first time in Suzhou, located in east China's Jiangsu Province, they performed "Mo Li Hua" ("Jasmine Flower"), a well-known Jiangsu folk melody. Fifty years ago, the Philadelphia Orchestra embarked on an "ice-breaking journey" of cultural exchange between China and the United States, which played a significant role in normalizing China-U.S. relations.

To commemorate this special occasion, the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra prepared 21 jasmine flower bracelets in just 24 hours, extending a warm welcome to the Philadelphia Orchestra. The jasmine flower symbolizes their enduring friendship, spanning half a century. Ryan Fleur, CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, emphasized that music has the power to transcend cultures, which is especially important in these times.