Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Announces Historic North American Tour Under Direction Of Maestro Long Yu

New York (Top40 Charts/ Cami Music) - This November, the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO), the oldest orchestra in Asia and one of the oldest classical ensembles in the world, will make history as it tours the U.S. and Canada under the baton of Maestro Long Yu.Celebratingthe 60thAnniversary of the People's Republic of China and the130thanniversary as one of Asia's best-known cultural ambassadors, the SSO will bring a rare musical experience to American audiences.The tour launches Tuesday, November 10thin New York City at Carnegie Hall.

As the Music Director of the SSO, China Philharmonic and Guangzhou Symphony and as the Artistic Director and co-founder of the Beijing Music Festival, Maestro Long Yu has also made appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, Hamburg State Opera, and the Sydney Symphony, among many others.

One of the most influential leaders of the classical music scene in China today, Long Yu has a bold vision for the future of SSO.Only in his first year as its Music Director, Maestro Yu has rebuilt and re-energized the orchestra by inviting some of the finest international players, who were hand picked through recent auditions in New York and Berlin.

"I am honored to become the Music Director of the extraordinary Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, whose past is legendary and whose future is full of endless possibility" says Maestro Long Yu "Because of its high artistic level and bold approach to classical music, this ensemble is in a unique position to serve as a cultural bridge between the East and the West. The musicians, the staff and myself are looking forward to sharing the legacy of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra with new audiences in China and worldwide."

Both at home and on tour SSO frequently features the world's brightest classical stars, including Lang Lang, who will perform Rachmaninoff'sPiano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18.Along with the standard Western Repertoire, SSO consistently programs new music, including Chen Qigang's iconicIrisd?�voil?�e, which will be performed in the composer's presence at Carnegie Hall, as part of theAncient Paths, Modern Voicesfestival celebrating Chinese culture.

The program of the 12-city North American tour will also includeChina Air Suiteby another living Chinese composer Bao Yuan Kai.Guest soloists will be the up-and-coming Chinese pianists Yuja Wang and Peng Peng.During the two weeks following the Carnegie Hall performance SSO will travel across the North American continent, visiting Fairfax, Santa Barbara, Berkeley, Toronto, etc.

Formed in 1879, SSO has always promoted the European classical tradition and trained Chinese musicians in this style, bridging the gap between East and West. Having played over 10,000 concerts, this esteemed ensemble has an extensive discography, which includes the soundtrack of the Oscar and Grammy-winning filmCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.