Gustavus Adolphus College

Gustavus Symphony Orchestra Tours in China

The Gustavus Adolphus College Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Warren Friesen with violin soloist Brian Buckstead, is making its final preparations before embarking on a 15-day (Jan. 18-Feb.1) international concert tour in the People’s Republic of China.

The ensemble will perform five concerts during the tour and also visit popular tourist attractions such as Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China. The concert schedule is as follows:

? Monday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m., Music School of Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing ? Thursday, Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m., Tianjin Guang Hua Theater, Tianjin ? Saturday, Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m., New Qinhaungdao Concert Hall, Qinhuangdao ? Sunday, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m., Tangshan Town Hall, Tangshan ? Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7:00 p.m., outdoor street performance, Yangshuo

You can follow the orchestra’s tour of China on the Office of College Relations blog. Director of Design Services Sharon Stevenson will accompany the orchestra in China and will provide commentary, photographs, and video from the tour.

This will be a return trip to China for the 67-member symphony orchestra. The 2004 tour was deemed such a successful learning opportunity for the group, a decision was made to return to the most populous country in the world.

The tradition of concert touring by the music ensembles at Gustavus was established as early as 1878 for the musical, artistic, and educational benefit of the student members. Extended domestic and international tours are a unique feature at Gustavus. These tours are combined with a specially designed companion course to provide an interdisciplinary perspective for the students, develop increased cultural awareness, promote a more diverse student body, and build cross-cultural bridges.

Upon its return from China, the orchestra will perform a home concert at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 in Christ Chapel. The concert is free and open to the public.