Elbegdorj came to celebrate a new Mongolian-U.S. cultural partnership, announced in March, that will bring the Philadelphia Orchestra to Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar. During his daytrip to Philadelphia, the president attended the orchestra’s matinee concert, where he was warmly welcomed by orchestra officials, musicians and audience members.

In a tour that includes visits to Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, Beijing and Japan, the Philadelphia Orchestra is expanding its connection with the people of China through additional avenues beyond sold-out concerts. More than a tour that focuses exclusively on music, this 2016 tour includes social cross-cultural components as well.

On Monday, the Orchestra flies to Asia to begin a three-week tour — the fifth and final tour under a residency agreement with the Chinese government. The trip is designed to promote diplomacy, both cultural and economic. [...] In addition to concert dates, the Orchestra is planning community events, master classes, and pop-up performances throughout Asia. 

The Orchestra will be in "Residence" to engage in "People-to-People" cultural diplomacy, including two full orchestra concerts, as well as a series of special events throughout Ulaanbaatar. The events will be designed in partnership with Mongolian musicians, local schools and cultural institutions, as well as other civic and government institutions. The Philadelphia Orchestra will be the first Western orchestra to perform in Mongolia.