It is hoped that the Philadelphia Orchestra, along with artists from countries including China and the US, will be committed to mutual respect, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness, thus fostering a new chapter of friendship between China, the US and the world at large, Xi said.

The Philadelphia Orchestra was the first US orchestra to visit China since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, with its most recent visit taking place in 2019. Tarnopolsky recently wrote to Xi to review the history of the orchestra's exchanges with China and introduced the itinerary of their latest trip.

Speaking at an event in Beijing on Wednesday, Tarnopolsky said that it is the collaboration between the US and Chinese partners that made the current trip possible. "We are here because we believe deeply that music can express thoughts and ideas that the words alone cannot convey."

Davyd Booth is one of the 14 members taking part in the current visit. The 73-year-old violinist was also among members of the 1973 trip which helped demystify China in the US, with the phenomenon working in reverse as well.

"I never dreamed at that time how important that trip was and as to what influence it would have on my life," Booth said. "I now sometimes liken it to planting a seed, we see that seed germinate and grow into a lush, lush vegetation."