N E W S R E L E A S E CONTACT: Katherine Blodgett phone: 215.893.1939 e-mail:
[email protected] Alyssa Porambo phone: 215.893.3136 e-mail:
[email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2016 The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Government of Mongolia Announce New Cultural Partnership (Philadelphia, March 3, 2016)—At 10 AM on the morning of Thursday, March 3, The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Government of Mongolia formalized a groundbreaking new relationship during an event in SFRC (Senate Foreign Relations Committee) room S-116 at the United States Capitol in Washington, DC. During this ceremonial and celebratory event, which featured performances by musicians from both sides of the partnership, The Philadelphia Orchestra signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Mongolia. This is the first time that music has been performed in SFRC S-116, one of the most revered diplomatic spaces in the Capitol Building. The MOU documents a cooperative commitment whereby 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. “The Philadelphia Orchestra is steadfast in our support of the State Department’s commitment to innovative cultural diplomacy,” said Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore. “During our time in Mongolia, in addition to traditional performances, The Philadelphia Orchestra will co-design community-based music activities.