By Leann Meiers, Head of Corporate Relations
One aspect of touring that often is underestimated is the amount that needs to be done to meet the needs of a broad range of stakeholders. While the core of the tour is about the music and demonstrating the excellence of the Orchestra to the world at large under the inspiring leadership of Mr Ashkenazy, there is a parallel universe of activities that are about ensuring sponsors, government interests as well as broader musical interests are met.
Media coverage of this tour has often touched on the area of cultural diplomacy and the role that our tour has in supporting the relationship between Australia and China. The Middle Kingdom has a long history of demonstrating pride in its own cultural institutions and showing them to the outside world, and it is clear they deeply appreciate other countries making the same efforts towards them. They see it as an expression of mutual respect and celebration of the human spirit, bringing us together in a way that is above political and commercial issues and differences.
This year is the 30th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between Guangdong province and NSW, so it was wonderful that we were able to perform for the first time ever here in our sister City, Guangzhou, at their beautiful Xinghai Hall. There were a number of senior government representatives from both the State and the national government, representing the broad range of commercial sectors that connect Australia and China – from agriculture to mining – tourism to health. They clearly enjoyed the performance greatly – but I know from our own Government representatives who were there that they were deeply appreciative of the fact that the orchestra was visiting the city and what that represented as a connection between the two States.
On the ground the reality of what this means to the touring party is that around each concert there are numerous functions and events that need to be coordinated to provide the access and hospitality that allows this to happen. For every concert in China we organised pre- and post-concert functions with sponsors and government invitees. The Australian Ambassador in Beijing and the local Consuls- General have been involved in each of the cities visited to represent the interests of the Federal Government and the NSW Government.
Our four corporate partners Tianda Group (Principal Partner, China), Felix Resources, Telstra and Xstrata Australia used the tour’s branding and exclusive hospitality opportunities to meet Mr Ashkenazy and our musicians to help further extend their business objectives in China.
Away from concerts there are other activities as well, including Master classes, press conferences and one to one meetings with promoters and others - all in all a very full schedule. This is my first international tour and it has been wonderful to watch a professional with the extensive touring experience of Mr Ashkenazy in action. Always, the music is first and foremost; but he is always available for sponsors, Government and other VIP officials and musicians from the local city – another example of his extraordinary energy and commitment – not just to the Sydney Symphony but also to his love of music.
So as we bring the China leg of the tour to a close it is heartening to think that not only have the musical performances been of high quality, but that we have done our bit to help develop the links between our two great countries.
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