Shanghai, China – The Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra and the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory formalized a three-year strategic partnership today, initiating a comprehensive exchange of cultural and educational programs. The agreement, signed at the Shanghai Philharmonic’s headquarters, coincides with the 160th anniversary of the Moscow Conservatory and the 25th anniversary of the Sino-Russian Treaty of Good Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.
A central component of the collaboration will be the “Exploring Russia” music festival, slated for later this year in Shanghai. The festival will be spearheaded by Chinese pianist Kong Xiangdong, who has been appointed as its artistic director. The event will feature performances by a range of Russian artists, including laureates of the prestigious Tchaikovsky Competition, alongside masterclasses for musicians from both China and Russia.
The partnership extends beyond the festival, encompassing joint musical compositions, talent development initiatives, and resource sharing between the two institutions. The Shanghai Philharmonic will regularly host professors and performers from the Moscow Conservatory for educational exchanges, and will also select promising Chinese musicians for short-term study visits to Moscow.
The Shanghai Philharmonic’s 2026-27 season will open in September with a performance featuring Moscow Conservatory professor Pavel Chernykh and graduate Kirill Popov. The orchestra is scheduled to perform Shostakovich’s “Song of the Forests” for the occasion.
Alexander Sokolov, head of the Moscow Conservatory, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “I have always regarded the musicians of Shanghai and China as dear friends. Music is a witness to our deep friendship. I hope classical music can serve as a strong bond that brings our peoples closer together.”
Gao Shanfeng, director of the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra, described the agreement as a model for international cultural exchange, noting that it would “enrich our artistic production and talent training systems.” The collaboration also falls within the framework of the 2026-2027 China-Russia Year of Education, signaling a broader effort to strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.
The partnership includes a “China-Russia Music Seed Plan” designed to nurture young musical talent, though details of the program’s structure and funding remain undisclosed.
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