On January 30, 2026, the Chinese Embassy in the United States held the “Happy Chinese New Year” · Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) “Music Evening” Dinner. Ambassador Xie Feng and his wife Madam Wang Dan, Minister Counselor Chen Chunmei, BSO President and CEO Mr. Mark C. Hanson, BSO Senior Vice President Alison Burr-Livingstone, members of the BSO chamber music group, as well as representatives of BSO board members and sponsors attended the event.

In his remarks, Ambassador Xie said that music is a language shared by all humanity. From classical Chinese pieces such as “The Yellow River” and “Butterfly Lovers”, to “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Appalachian Spring” of the U.S., the music of both countries carries our people’s longing for peace, hope and beauty. Music also opens a new window for the world to understand contemporary China. The Chinese music market is brimming with vitality, leading to a boom in cultural consumption that is evolving into a new momentum for China’s exchanges with the rest of the world. Many American tourists have made most of China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy to travel there. They have not only explored the country and had a fun shopping spree, but also enjoyed music in China.

Ambassador Xie noted that the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has been holding Chinese New Year concerts for three years in a row. And last year, it embarked on its first tour in China, which was a resounding success. As China and the United States come to a crucial stage in exploring a right way to get along in the new era, we need more positive forces like the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to give full play to their unique role, so as to constantly inject positive energy into the bilateral relationship and write a new chapter of harmony and shared beauty.

During the dinner, BSO musicians performed a selection of Chinese and Western classics, including “Jasmine Flower”, “Horse Racing” and “Auld Lang Syne”. Guests celebrated the coming Chinese New Year together through an immersive experience of authentic Chinese cuisine and music, shared their stories of participating in China-U.S. cultural exchanges, and envisioned a brighter future for friendly cultural exchanges and cooperation.