94-672: The Global Music Diplomacy Initiative is a United States diplomatic initiative launched by Secretary of State Antony Blinken in partnership with The Recording Academy at the U.S. Department of State on September 27, 2023. Modeled on Cold War –era U.S. jazz diplomacy , its stated mission is to "elevate music as a diplomatic tool to promote peace and democracy" while supporting U.S. foreign policy objectives. It leverages "current public diplomacy music programs to create public-private partnerships with American companies and non-profits to use music to... convey American leadership globally and create connections with people worldwide." The Initiative
188-399: A Nazi death march . In Paris, Blinken attended École Jeannine Manuel . From 1980 to 1984, Blinken attended Harvard College , where he majored in social studies. He co-edited Harvard's daily student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson , and wrote a number of articles on current affairs. After graduating from the university, Blinken worked as an intern for The New Republic for about
282-410: A global cyberespionage campaign , which Blinken said posed "a major threat to our economic and national security". In late April 2021, Blinken denounced the sentencing of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists Jimmy Lai , Albert Ho , and Lee Cheuk-yan among others, for their roles in the 2019 Hong Kong protests , calling it a "politically-motivated" decision. In May 2022, Blinken stated that "China
376-615: A "Shiastan" in the south, a "Sunnistan" in the north, as well as Iraqi Kurdistan . The proposal was overwhelmingly rejected at home, as well as in Iraq, where the prime minister opposed the partition plan. He was also a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies . In 2008, Blinken worked for Joe Biden's presidential campaign , and was a member of the Obama–Biden presidential transition team. From 2009 to 2013, Blinken
470-537: A 78rpm set of his 3rd Symphony , a work that Stokowski had premiered on November 6, 1936. In particular, he and Ormandy were also close associates and Rachmaninoff was supposed to have said that in his American years he composed with the sound of the Philadelphia Orchestra in his head. The many recordings of the music of Rachmaninoff by Ormandy were noted as being closest to the composer's desire. Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances , Op. 45, his last work,
564-582: A November 2023 New York Times opinion piece as "not a signal of approval of China’s policies but rather, "our journeys to China signify a belief in the possibility of change through dialogue." In November 2023, as part of the U.S. State Department 's Global Music Diplomacy Initiative and ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden 's meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit in San Francisco , 14 musicians traveled to China for
658-446: A bad situation. In 1907, Karl Pohlig became music director and served until 1912. New music he programmed was unpopular with audiences, and revelations that he had an extra-marital affair with his secretary caused outrage. The orchestra cancelled his contract and gave him a year's salary ($ 12,000) in severance to avoid a suit from Pohlig alleging a conspiracy to oust him. Leopold Stokowski became music director in 1912 and brought
752-521: A consulting firm. Blinken returned to government first as a foreign policy advisor for Biden's 2020 presidential campaign , then as Biden's pick for secretary of state, a position the Senate confirmed him for on January 26, 2021. Blinken was born on April 16, 1962, in Yonkers, New York , to Jewish parents. His mother was Judith ( née Frehm) Blinken and his father was Donald M. Blinken , a co-founder of
846-430: A downward spiral.' The players rejected 1–2 percent per year increases offered by management. The base pay rate was noted as less than what other similar orchestras are offering. The strike was settled after three days when musicians approved a new contract on October 2, 2016. The new agreement is scheduled to raise the base salary to $ 137,800 and to increase the size of the orchestra to 97 over three years. In March 2018,
940-892: A four-year period of cultural disengagement between the American and the Chinese people caused by the COVID-19 pandemic . The Orchestra's first recordings were made for the Victor Talking Machine Company in Camden, New Jersey , in 1917, when Leopold Stokowski conducted performances of two of Brahms 's Hungarian Dances . The historic first electrical recordings were also made at Victor's Trinity Church Studio in Camden, in April 1925; Saint-Saëns ' Danse macabre
1034-488: A musicians' strike for 64 days in 1996. Near the end of Sawallisch's tenure, the orchestra released a self-produced set of recordings of the Schumann symphonies with Sawallisch conducting. In 2003, Sawallisch was named Conductor Laureate, and held the title until his death in 2013. In 2003, Christoph Eschenbach succeeded Sawallisch as music director. This appointment was controversial because Eschenbach had not conducted
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#17327726703811128-429: A number of significant media firsts. It was the first symphony orchestra to make electrical recordings (in 1925). It was the first orchestra to make a commercially sponsored radio broadcast (on NBC in 1929) and the first to appear on a television broadcast (on CBS in 1948). The Philadelphia was the first American orchestra to make a digital recording of the complete Beethoven symphonies on compact disc (in 1988), and
1222-652: A public face. Blinken was influential in formulating the Obama administration's response to the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in the aftermath of the 2014 Ukrainian revolution . Blinken supported the 2011 military intervention in Libya and the supply of weapons to Syrian rebels . He condemned the 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt and expressed support for the democratically elected Turkish government and its institutions, but also criticized
1316-412: A senior American official lies to Congress in the middle of genocide so that the government can keep funding that genocide, he is deliberately flouting the law and prolonging the suffering of millions of innocent people who desperately need our government to stop funding their slaughter." On September 26, 2024, U.S. representative Rashida Tlaib called on Blinken to resign in a social media post, citing
1410-519: A series of performances amid a low point in US-China relations , recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Orchestra's cultural exchanges with China, winning praise from both Biden and Xi for its use of music diplomacy in improving bilateral relations. U.S. Ambassador to China R. Nicholas Burns described the visit as "a very important" and "perfectly timed event," noting that it "turned the page" on
1504-476: A series of recordings for RCA Victor with the orchestra in 1941 and 1942; the master discs for these records were supposedly damaged during processing, resulting in unusually high surface noise and distortion and they were not approved for release at the time. In 1963, after extensive electronic editing, RCA Victor issued one of the recordings on LP, the Schubert Symphony in C Major . In 1977, all of
1598-417: A total of five years, the shortest tenure as music director in the history of the Philadelphia Orchestra, along with Pohlig. After Eschenbach's departure, the Philadelphia Orchestra was without a music director for four years. In February 2007, Charles Dutoit was appointed chief conductor and artistic adviser for four seasons, starting in the fall of 2008 and running through the 2011–2012 season. This move
1692-604: A year. He earned a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1988 and practiced law in New York City and Paris. Blinken worked with his father to raise funds for Michael Dukakis , the Democratic nominee in the 1988 United States presidential election . In his monograph Ally versus Ally: America, Europe, and the Siberian Pipeline Crisis (1987), Blinken argued that exerting diplomatic pressure on
1786-476: Is an American lawyer and diplomat currently serving as the 71st United States secretary of state . He previously served as deputy national security advisor from 2013 to 2015 and deputy secretary of state from 2015 to 2017 under President Barack Obama . Blinken was previously national security advisor to then–Vice President Joe Biden from 2009 to 2013. During the Clinton administration , Blinken served in
1880-474: Is the one country that has the intention as well as the economic, technological, military and diplomatic means to advance a different vision of international order." He dismissed China's claims to be neutral in the Russo-Ukrainian War and accused China of supporting Russia. In May 2022, Blinken says U.S. to rely on "Alliances", "Trade" and "Investment" to counter China , and focus on defending
1974-537: The 2014 Israel–Gaza conflict . In May 2015, Blinken criticized the persecution of Muslims in Myanmar and warned Myanmar's leaders about the dangers of anti-Muslim legislation, saying that Rohingya Muslims "should have a path to citizenship. The uncertainty that comes from not having any status is one of the things that may drive people to leave." In June 2015, Blinken claimed that more than ten thousand ISIL fighters had been killed by American-led airstrikes against
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#17327726703812068-687: The 2016–present purges in Turkey . In April 2015, Blinken voiced support for the Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen . He said that "as part of that effort, we have expedited weapons deliveries, we have increased our intelligence sharing, and we have established a joint coordination planning cell in the Saudi operation centre." Blinken worked with Biden on requests for American money to replenish Israel's arsenal of Iron Dome interceptor missiles during
2162-527: The 2021 Israeli-Palestinian conflict , Blinken expressed "absolute" support for Israel 's right to defend itself but warned that evicting Palestinian families from their homes in East Jerusalem is among the actions that could further escalate outbreaks of violence and retaliation. During a visit to Tel Aviv following the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel , Blinken promised to help defend Israel "as long as America exists." Blinken said that "Israel has
2256-689: The 47th G7 summit in Cornwall, the 31st NATO summit in Brussels, and the summit meeting with president Vladimir Putin in Geneva. Blinken and Biden both acknowledged that relations between the U.S. and Russia were at their lowest point, and a more predictable relationship remained a key priority. However, he signaled that further punitive actions would be enforced if the Russian government chose to continue with hostile activities such as interference in
2350-508: The Bravo! Vail Valley Festival in Vail, Colorado . The orchestra also performs an annual series of concerts at Carnegie Hall . From its earliest days the orchestra has been active in the recording studio, making extensive numbers of recordings, primarily for RCA Victor and Columbia Records . Yannick Nézet-Séguin has been serving as the orchestra's music director since 2012. Matías Tarnopolsky
2444-528: The Dalton School in New York City until 1971. He then moved to Paris with his mother and Samuel Pisar ; his mother married Pisar after divorcing Donald Blinken. In his confirmation hearing, Blinken recalled the story of his stepfather, Pisar, who had been the only Holocaust survivor of the 900 children in his school in Poland. Pisar found refuge in a U.S. tank after making a break into the forest during
2538-568: The Islamic State since a U.S.-led coalition launched a campaign against it nine months previously. Blinken was a foreign policy advisor for Biden's 2020 presidential campaign . On November 22, 2020, Bloomberg News reported that Biden had selected Blinken as his nominee for secretary of state. These reports were later corroborated by The New York Times and other outlets. On November 24, upon being announced as Biden's choice for secretary of state, Blinken said, "We can't solve all
2632-758: The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 in December 2022. The Initiative came amid calls from senior diplomats (such as Tara Sonenshine ) and think tank researchers (such as from the Atlantic Council ) for the U.S. government to strategically strengthen its music diplomacy efforts, including through the implementation of new programs replicating the Cold War-era Jazz Ambassador initiative. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted
2726-473: The Obama–Biden presidential transition . From 2009 to 2013, Blinken served as deputy assistant to the president and national security advisor to the vice president . During his tenure in the Obama administration , he helped craft U.S. policy on Afghanistan , Pakistan , and the nuclear program of Iran . After leaving government service, Blinken moved into the private sector , co-founding WestExec Advisors ,
2820-698: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee began on January 19, 2021. His nomination was confirmed by the committee on January 25 with a vote of 15–3. On January 26, Blinken was confirmed in the full Senate by a vote of 78–22. Blinken took the oath of office of the secretary of state later that day. In doing so, he became the third former deputy secretary of state to serve as the Secretary of State , after Lawrence Eagleburger and Warren Christopher in 1992 and 1993, respectively. In February 2021, Blinken condemned ethnic cleansing in
2914-742: The Soviet Union during the Siberian pipeline crisis was less significant for American interests than maintaining strong relations between the United States and Europe . Ally versus Ally was based on Blinken's undergraduate thesis in which he interviewed Henry Kissinger . Blinken has held senior foreign policy positions in two administrations over two decades. He was a member of the National Security Council (NSC) staff from 1994 to 2001. From 1994 to 1998, Blinken
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3008-514: The State Department and in senior positions on the National Security Council from 1994 to 2001. He was a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies from 2001 to 2002. He advocated for the 2003 invasion of Iraq while serving as the Democratic staff director of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2002 to 2008. He was a foreign policy advisor for Joe Biden's 2008 presidential campaign , before advising
3102-571: The Tigray War between the Ethiopian government and Tigray rebels. Blinken made his first international trip with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to Tokyo and Seoul on March 15, during which he warned China against coercion and aggression. He also condemned the Chinese government for committing genocide against ethnic Uyghurs . In July 2021, the Biden administration accused China of
3196-409: The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the other from State Department Refugees Bureau , that Israel had indeed blocked humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza. First-hand reports had previously shown Israelis blocking and even destroying aid on trucks. "Their conclusion was explosive because U.S. law requires the government to cut off weapons shipments to countries that prevent
3290-529: The West Bank . During a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on May 21, 2024, Blinken faced fierce criticism from protestors who interrupted his testimony by shouting as they were escorted from the hearing room, including calling him "the Butcher of Gaza" and "Bloody Blinken". ProPublica reported on September 24, 2024, that Blinken lied to the U.S. Congress, ignoring two reports, one from
3384-475: The 2020 presidential elections , the SolarWinds cyberattack , or the apparent poisoning and imprisonment of Alexei Navalny . Of the administration's decision to forgo a joint press conference after the summit, Blinken explained that it was "the most effective way" and "not a rare practice". Later that month, Blinken traveled to Brussels for a NATO Ministerial with European Union counterparts to underscore
3478-517: The 2021–2022 season, with a contract of 3 years. In February 2023, the orchestra announced a further extension of Nézet-Séguin's contract, through the 2029–2030 season, along with a change in his title to music and artistic director. In January 2024, the orchestra announced the appointment of Marin Alsop as its next principal guest conductor, effective with the 2024–2025 season, with an initial contract of 3 seasons. The Philadelphia Orchestra boasts
3572-677: The Biden administration's determination to strengthen transatlantic alliances. Blinken has been a co-chair of the Trade and Technology Council since its creation in 2021 to encourage trade relations with the European Union. In January 2022, Blinken authorized the supply of weapons to Ukraine to support the Eastern European country in amid border tensions with Russia. At a joint press availability with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on January 19, Blinken said "One of
3666-1046: The Initiative's international programming includes American bands' travel to 30 countries (starting in October 2023), U.S. art envoys' travel to the Middle East and China (by the Philadelphia Orchestra ; November 2023), and the Harmundi International Music Summit (November 2023). In June 2024, a new partnership was announced between the State Department and YouTube to expand the Initiative's efforts. Chuck D , Grace Bowers, Breland , Kane Brown , Herbie Hancock, Denyce Graves , Jelly Roll , Teddy Swims , Justin Tranter , Armani White , and Lainey Wilson were named
3760-478: The Philadelphia Orchestra announced a three-year recording partnership with the Finnish label Ondine , the Orchestra's first recording contract in 10 years. The resumption of a regular recording program was one of Christoph Eschenbach 's stated priorities as music director. Eight recordings were released after November 2005 to largely positive reviews. On September 21, 2006, the Philadelphia Orchestra became
3854-734: The Philadelphia Orchestra gave its concerts at the Academy of Music . The orchestra continues to own the Academy, and returns there one week per year for the Academy of Music's annual gala concert and concerts for school children. The Philadelphia Orchestra's summer home is the Mann Center for the Performing Arts . It also has summer residencies at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center , and since July 2007 at
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3948-657: The ProPublica story alleging he had rejected internal government findings about Israel blocking aid to Gaza. The decision to waive sanctions against Nord Stream AG and its chief executive Matthias Warnig , subsequent to the completion of the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline , drew congressional criticisms. Blinken defended the action as pragmatic and practical to U.S. interests and remarked that proceeding otherwise would be counterproductive with European relations. In June 2021, Blinken traveled with Biden to attend
4042-557: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in formulating Biden's support for the U.S. invasion of Iraq, with Blinken characterizing the vote to invade Iraq as "a vote for tough diplomacy". Blinken supported the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. In the years following the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq, Blinken assisted Biden in formulating a proposal in the Senate to establish in Iraq three independent regions divided along ethnic or sectarian lines:
4136-468: The Tigray region of northern Ethiopia and called for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces and other fighters. In the midst of the Biden administration's continuing review of the normalization agreement between Morocco and Israel enacted during the previous administration, Blinken maintained that the recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara , which
4230-482: The U.S. premiere of The Bells and accompanied the composer in his 3rd Piano Concerto . In 1924 they collaborated on an acoustically recorded 78rpm set of the 2nd Piano Concerto , re-recording it electrically in 1929. On March 18, 1927, Stokowski conducted the world premieres of the Three Russian Folk Songs , of which he was the dedicatee, and the 4th Piano Concerto , again with the composer at
4324-493: The United States and China is typically looked at through the lenses of politics, trade and security, but the arts are also essential. They build bridges within—and between—societies. It’s why a single song can make the world a little better by helping us to collectively imagine a better future." UC Davis distinguished professor of music Carol A. Hess said of the bipartisan support for the Initiative: "It’s interesting to see
4418-622: The United States saw no willingness on the side of Russia to end its war in Ukraine by diplomatic means , despite American attempts. Blinken questioned China's peace proposal , saying "the world should not be fooled by any tactical move by Russia, supported by China or any other country, to freeze the war on its own terms." In June 2023, he rejected any "cease-fire that simply freezes current lines in place". In July 2023, he defended Biden's decision to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions . In June 2024, Blinken said that China 's support for Russia
4512-417: The United States' commitment to a peace deal that includes a "just and durable political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire." Blinken made an unannounced visit to Kabul on April 15 and met with U.S. military and diplomatic personnel following the Biden administration's announcement of the 2021 withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan . He said the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan
4606-633: The chaotic American departure from Saigon in 1975, saying that "We went to Afghanistan 20 years ago with one mission, and that mission was to deal with the folks who attacked us on 9/11 and we have succeeded in that mission." On September 25, 2024, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the Biden-Harris administration for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The resolution passed 219-194, with 10 Democrats and all Republicans voting in favor. During
4700-428: The countries that decided to be neutral in the war between Russia and Ukraine, Blinken said that "It's pretty hard to be neutral when it comes to this aggression. There is a clear aggressor. There is a clear victim." Speaking about the 2022 Russian mobilization , he said that mobilized Russian civilians were being treated as "cannon fodder that Putin is trying to throw into the war." On October 21, 2022, Blinken said
4794-500: The delivery of U.S.-backed humanitarian aid. Israel has been largely dependent on American bombs and other weapons in Gaza since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks." The Council on American-Islamic Relations immediately called for Blinken's resignation. “Secretary Blinken and the Biden administration ignored Israel’s blocking of humanitarian aid to the suffering people of Gaza – which is a violation of American law – and lied about it to Congress. When
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#17327726703814888-486: The deputy secretary post, replacing the retiring William J. Burns . On December 16, 2014, Blinken was confirmed as Deputy Secretary of State by the Senate by a vote of 55 to 38. Of Obama's 2011 decision to kill Osama bin Laden , Blinken said "I've never seen a more courageous decision made by a leader." A 2013 profile described him as "one of the government's key players in drafting Syria policy ", for which he served as
4982-480: The detention of government officials and civil society leaders, calling for their immediate release. He stated that, "the United States will continue to take firm action against those who perpetrate violence against the people of Burma as they demand the restoration of their democratically elected government." In February 2021, having spoken to president Ashraf Ghani , Blinken voiced support for Afghan peace negotiations with Taliban Islamist rebels and reiterated
5076-439: The first major United States orchestra to sell downloads of its performances directly from the orchestra's website. While other American orchestras had downloads of their music on the internet, the Philadelphia Orchestra said it was the first to offer the downloads without a distributor. In 2010, the orchestra abandoned this practice and formed a partnership with IODA , a digital distribution company with downloads available through
5170-399: The first major orchestra to give a live cybercast of a concert on the internet (in 1997). In 2006, the orchestra was the first to offer downloads of music from its own website without a distributor. In other firsts, in 1999, under Wolfgang Sawallisch , it became the first American orchestra to visit Vietnam . In 2006, the orchestra appointed Carol Jantsch principal tuba as of 2006–2007,
5264-590: The inaugural U.S. Global Music Ambassadors. In an October 2023 opinion piece published in The New York Times discussing U.S.–China music diplomacy, Carla Dirlikov Canales, opera singer and senior adviser and envoy for cultural exchange at the National Endowment for the Arts , applauded the Initiative and expressed her hope that its programs can visit China. She wrote: "The relationship between
5358-511: The keyboard. Another world premiere took place on November 7, 1934, when Stokowski conducted the composer in the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini , with the two musicians making its first recording shortly afterwards. Rachmaninoff himself also took on the role of conductor with the Philadelphia Orchestra, recording Isle of the Dead and Vocalise with them in 1929, followed ten years later by
5452-592: The launch event, joined by Harvey Mason, Jr. , Lyor Cohen , and David M. Rubenstein . Senior Biden administration officials, a bipartisan group of Members of Congress , leaders in the arts and humanities, and alumni from the State Department's music diplomacy exchange programs, were also in attendance. The event featured live performances from Jamie Barton , Gayle , Dave Grohl , Mickey Guyton , Herbie Hancock , Christopher Jackson , Ladama , Aimee Mann , Rakim , and Armani White , among others. Blinken himself also performed " Hoochie Coochie Man " by Muddy Waters ,
5546-510: The musicians, Nézet-Séguin volunteered in August 2011 to add a week in his 2011–2012 season appearances. On July 30, 2012, the orchestra announced that it had officially emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, effective that day. On September 30, 2016, the orchestra's players went out on strike , one hour before its scheduled Opening Night Gala concert. The musicians issued a statement: 'We can no longer remain silent while we continue in
5640-717: The next 23 years. In 1968, Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra returned to RCA Victor and made their first digital recording, Bartók 's Concerto for Orchestra , for the label in 1979. The Orchestra has also recorded for EMI and Teldec . From 1935 to 1976 The Philadelphia Orchestra performed as The Robin Hood Dell Orchestra for a summer concert series held at Robin Hood Dell, an outdoor stage in Fairmount Park . Close to 50 recordings were released under The Robin Hood Dell Orchestra name. In May 2005,
5734-499: The orchestra announced a further extension of Nézet-Séguin's contract through the 2025–2026 season. In December 2017, the orchestra announced the discontinuation of its relationship with Dutoit and the revocation of his title as its conductor laureate, with immediate effect, in the wake of allegations against him of sexual assault. The Philadelphia Orchestra's current concertmaster is David Kim . Past concertmasters have included Norman Carol and Erez Ofer. Past Associate Conductors of
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#17327726703815828-403: The orchestra announced the appointment of Matías Tarnopolsky as its next president and chief executive officer, in succession to Allison Vulgamore, who held the posts from 2010 through December 2017. In December 2020, the orchestra announced the appointment of Nathalie Stutzmann as its next principal guest conductor, the first female conductor ever named to this Philadelphia post, effective with
5922-579: The orchestra does not have its own chorus. The orchestra formerly worked with the Philadelphia Singers as its resident chorus until the Philadelphia Singers disbanded in May 2015. On April 16, 2011, the Philadelphia Orchestra's board of directors voted to file for Chapter 11 reorganization due to the organization's large operational deficit. This was the first time that a major U.S. orchestra had filed for bankruptcy . Amid mounting dissent from
6016-450: The orchestra have included William Smith, Luis Biava, and Rossen Milanov. In 2014, Stéphane Denève was appointed principal guest conductor, Cristian Măcelaru as conductor-in-residence, and Lio Kuokman as assistant conductor. In 2016, Kensho Watanabe succeeded Kuokman as assistant conductor. Erina Yashima has served as assistant conductor since 2019. Denève served as principal guest conductor from 2014 through 2020. As of June 2016,
6110-469: The orchestra in over four years and there was a perceived lack of personal chemistry between him and the musicians prior to the appointment. At least one early report tried to downplay this concern. The orchestra returned to commercial recordings with Eschenbach, on the Ondine label. However, in October 2006, Eschenbach and the orchestra announced the conclusion of his tenure as music director in 2008, for
6204-472: The orchestra included the symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven , Johannes Brahms , and Alexander Scriabin , for the EMI and Philips labels. Wolfgang Sawallisch succeeded Muti as Music Director from 1993 to 2003. He made a number of recordings with the orchestra of music of Robert Schumann , Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner , among other composers, for the EMI label. However, the orchestra lost its recording contract with EMI during this time, which led to
6298-542: The orchestra to national prominence. Under his guidance, the orchestra gained a reputation for virtuosity, and developed what is known as the "Philadelphia Sound." Stokowski left the orchestra in 1941, and did not return as a guest conductor for nearly 20 years. In 1936, Eugene Ormandy joined the organization, and jointly held the post of principal conductor with Stokowski until 1938 when he became its sole music director. He remained as music director until 1980, after which he became Conductor Laureate. Ormandy conducted many of
6392-469: The orchestra's best-known recordings and took the orchestra on its historic 1973 tour of the People's Republic of China , making it the first Western orchestra to visit the country. The tour was highly successful and it has since returned for thirteen additional successful tours. Riccardo Muti became principal guest conductor of the orchestra in the 1970s, and assumed the role as Music Director from Ormandy in 1980, serving through 1992. His recordings with
6486-401: The orchestra's first ever female principal tuba player and the first in a full-time American orchestra. The Orchestra was known for its special relationship with the composer Sergei Rachmaninoff due primarily to Stokowski's championship. In his first season, on January 3, 1913, Stokowski conducted Isle of the Dead . Later, in an all-Rachmaninoff programme on February 3, 1920, Stokowski gave
6580-422: The orchestra. He returned for a second series of concerts in December 2009. In June 2010, Nézet-Séguin was appointed Music Director Designate, with a scheduled duration under that title from 2010 to 2012, with 2 weeks of scheduled appearances in the 2010–2011 season, and 5 weeks of scheduled appearances in the 2011–2012 season. Eventually, in 2012, he was appointed music director, succeeding Dutoit, who subsequently
6674-432: The orchestra. Additionally in 1906, the orchestra traveled to the White House to perform in an exclusive concert. In February 1907, Leandro Campanari took over and served as interim conductor for a short time during Scheel's illness and after his death. A flutist in the orchestra, August Rodemann, stood in before Campanari's arrival. He started sabotaging the performances and Campanari was obliged to remove himself from
6768-591: The policy resulted in assaults on UNRWA aid trucks, Palestinian police escorts for aid convoys, the World Central Kitchen aid convoy attack , and assassination of Anera aid workers. In April 2024, it was reported that Blinken had refused to act on recommendations from the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum to sanction Israeli units that had participated in human rights violations including torture, rape, and extrajudicial killings in
6862-465: The principles which you've heard us repeat – but it always bears repeating – is nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine . Blinken publicly warned on February 11 of the likelihood of a Russian invasion of Ukraine prior to the end the 2022 Winter Olympics and on February 13, he said the risk was "high enough and the threat is imminent enough" that the evacuation of most staff from the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv
6956-426: The private equity firm Warburg Pincus who later served as the U.S. ambassador to Hungary . His maternal grandparents were Hungarian Jews. Blinken's uncle, Alan Blinken , served as the U.S. ambassador to Belgium . His paternal grandfather, Maurice Henry Blinken, was an early backer of Israel who studied its economic viability, and his great-grandfather was Meir Blinken , a Yiddish writer. Blinken attended
7050-571: The range of politicians who support these programs." In a piece for the Lowy Institute , researcher Kate Clayton argued that the Australian Government under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should adopt a similar music diplomacy program that would function along with its Indo-Pacific strategy to further strengthen people-to-people and commercial ties. Antony Blinken Antony John Blinken (born April 16, 1962)
7144-527: The recordings were finally issued in a 5 LP boxed set; they were later digitally remastered and reissued twice on compact disc by RCA Victor in 1992 and again in 2006. During the 1942–44 AFM Recording Ban , the orchestra's contract with RCA Victor expired; following the settlement of the strike in November, 1944, the orchestra joined Columbia Records , recording some of the dances from Borodin 's Prince Igor . The Philadelphians remained with Columbia for
7238-480: The relationship does not veer into conflict." On 15 November 2023 Blinken accompanied Biden as together they hosted Xi Jinping and Wang Yi in Woodside, California and the so-called 2023 Woodside Summit . Top-level cabinet officials, such as Janet Yellen and John Kerry also were at the meeting table there. On January 31, 2021, Blinken condemned the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état and expressed grave concerns on
7332-590: The right, indeed the obligation, to defend itself and to ensure that this never happens again." He rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Israel–Hamas war but said he supported "humanitarian pauses" to deliver aid to the people of the Gaza Strip . Blinken participated in Netanyahu's cabinet policy decisions on humanitarian aid, which allowed the targeting of aid convoys that could "reach Hamas." Implementation of
7426-462: The rules-based order Beijing is trying to reshape. In June 2023, Blinken met with Chinese president Xi Jinping during his trip to Beijing. According to the State Department's readout, Blinken "emphasized the importance of maintaining open channels of communication across the full range of issues to reduce the risk of miscalculation" and "made clear that while we will compete vigorously, the United States will responsibly manage that competition so that
7520-644: The video of which went viral. Quincy Jones , a former Jazz Ambassador, received the inaugural Peace Through Music Award . Announcements made at the event include a State Department–Recording Academy partnership for the American Music Mentorship Program, incorporation of music into U.S. investment in English-language learning abroad, and the Fulbright / Kennedy Center Visiting Scholar Award in Arts and Science. The event
7614-467: The world's problems alone [and] we need to be working with other countries." He had earlier remarked in a September 2020 interview with the Associated Press that "democracy is in retreat around the world, and unfortunately it's also in retreat at home because of the president taking a two-by-four to its institutions, its values and its people every day." Blinken's confirmation hearing before
7708-485: Was "the prudent thing to do". In September 2022, Blinken pledged that the United States would help the Ukrainian military retake Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine . He criticized Vladimir Putin 's threats to use nuclear weapons , saying that "Russia has gotten itself into the mess that it's in is because there is no one in the [autocratic] system to effectively tell Putin he's doing the wrong thing." Regarding
7802-465: Was annexed by Morocco in 1975, will not be reversed imminently. During internal discussions, he supported improving relations between the two countries and expressed urgency in appointing a United Nations envoy to Western Sahara. In March 2023, Blinken met with Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed in Addis Ababa to normalize relations between the United States and Ethiopia that were strained by
7896-483: Was appointed president and CEO in August 2018. The orchestra was founded in 1900 by Fritz Scheel , who also acted as its first conductor . The orchestra had its beginnings with a small group of musicians led by the pianist F. Cresson Schell (1857–1942). In 1904, Richard Strauss guest conducted the orchestra in a program of his compositions, and in 1906 the Polish pianist Artur Rubinstein made his American debut with
7990-464: Was deputy assistant to the president and National Security Advisor to the Vice President . In this position he helped craft U.S. policy on Afghanistan , Pakistan , and the nuclear program of Iran . Blinken was sworn in as deputy national security advisor , succeeding Denis McDonough , on January 20, 2013. On November 7, 2014, President Obama announced that he would nominate Blinken for
8084-503: Was launched to enact the bipartisan Promoting Peace, Education, and Cultural Exchange (PEACE) Through Music Diplomacy Act, sponsored by Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) in the House of Representatives . A companion bill was introduced by Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) in the Senate . It passed Congress and was signed into law by President Joe Biden as part of
8178-562: Was made to focus resources on China and the COVID-19 pandemic . He faced calls to resign as secretary of state following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. In August 2021, Blinken rejected comparisons between the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan due to the Taliban offensive , which started in May 2021 after U.S. and coalition military forces began withdrawing from Afghanistan, and
8272-417: Was made to provide an "artistic bridge" while the orchestra searched for its eighth music director. According to news articles from August 2007, the orchestra had now devised a search process in which each musician in the orchestra would have a say in the choice of the next Music Director. In December 2008, at the invitation of Dutoit, Yannick Nézet-Séguin made his first guest-conducting appearance with
8366-401: Was named conductor laureate of the orchestra. Nézet-Séguin's initial contract as music director was for 5 seasons, with 7 weeks of scheduled concerts in the 2012–2012 season, 15 weeks in the next 2 seasons, and 16 weeks in the subsequent 2 seasons of his Philadelphia contract. In January 2015, the orchestra announced the extension of Nézet-Séguin's contract to the 2021–22 season. In June 2016,
8460-633: Was premiered by Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, to whom it is dedicated, on January 3, 1941. The Orchestra has played an important role in U.S.-China relations. It made diplomatic history in 1973 when it became the first American orchestra to tour the People's Republic of China , performing in Beijing 's Great Hall of the People and Shanghai . It has since returned 12 times, a decision that Orchestra president and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky described in
8554-553: Was prolonging the war in Ukraine. Philadelphia Orchestra The Philadelphia Orchestra is an American symphony orchestra , based in Philadelphia . One of the " Big Five " American orchestras, the orchestra is based at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts , where it performs its subscription concerts, numbering over 130 annually, at Marian Anderson Hall (formerly Verizon Hall). From its founding until 2001,
8648-423: Was special assistant to the president and senior director for strategic planning and NSC senior director for speechwriting. From 1999 to 2001, he was special assistant to the president and senior director for European and Canadian affairs. In 2002, Blinken was appointed staff director for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee , a position he served in until 2008. Blinken assisted then-Senator Joe Biden, Chair of
8742-737: Was sponsored by YouTube , Chevron , Boeing , Wasserman Foundation, United Airlines , Adrienne Arsht , and John F.W. Rogers . In an interview with the Associated Press , Blinken said: "I’ve always had a deep love for music in part because it has the potential to connect cultures and tell the American story around the world." He continued: "By launching this effort, we hope to expose a new generation of global audiences to what previous generations have found so compelling: our people and culture. We have no more powerful tools in our diplomatic toolkit, and I look forward to seeing—and listening to—the results of this initiative." As of December 2023,
8836-513: Was the first to be recorded. Later, in 1926, Victor began recording the Orchestra in the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. Stokowski led the ensemble in experimental long-playing, high-fidelity, and even stereophonic sessions in the early 1930s for RCA Victor and Bell Laboratories . During 1939–40, Stokowski and the orchestra recorded the soundtrack for Walt Disney 's Fantasia in multi-track stereophonic sound . Arturo Toscanini made
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