Philadelphia Orchestra Embarks On A 3 Week Asian Excursion

By Steve Tawa

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's just about time to say bon-voyage to the Philadelphia Orchestra, about to embark on a three-week tour of Asia from May 19 through June 5.

"The Philadelphia orchestra has regularly been called upon to perform on a world stage," said orchestra president and CEO Allison Vulgamore.

Vulgamore recalls that special request from President Nixon in 1973.

"The fabulous Philadelphians became the first American orchestra to perform in China," she said.

This time around, they'll do 12-concerts in seven cities.:

"Including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Macau, Tokyo, Osaka and a debut in Kawasaki."

Off the concert stage, musicians do what they do best as global ambassadors, rooted in cultural exchange.

'These residency activities give us the opportunity to share our love of music-making with local communities where we perform and to grow a passion for classical music."

Orchestra members will be holding several masters classes, customized to each region they visit.