"Now we can go back and do it in person, and that's very important for us and for our partners in China as well," he said, adding that "as soon as the situation with COVID settles down, we'll be able to start planning future tours".

Founded in 1900, the orchestra is renowned for a long and distinguished history of touring the world. The orchestra's lasting ties with China mark a significant chapter in its century-old history.

In 1973, the orchestra pioneered cultural exchanges with China at the invitation by then US President Richard Nixon, becoming the first American orchestra to make a tour to the People's Republic of China.

Over the past 50 years, the orchestra has returned to China 12 times, more than any other US orchestra.

"Cultural exchange is fundamentally important as a path to understanding between peoples," said Tarnopolsky.