In the proud tradition of the Peace Corps and groundbreaking cultural exchange programs around the world, the University of Michigan embarked on a bold initiative to China in the proud tradition of people-to-people diplomacy.

For three weeks in May, ninety-seven students, faculty and staff traveled to the Far East, where the University Symphony Band performed.

The repertoire of contemporary compositions included new works by acclaimed U-M faculty members William Bolcom, Michael Daugherty, Bright Sheng and Kristin Kuster. A graduate of U-M, Xiang Gao, a native of China, a violinist cited by The New York Times as a “rare and soulful virtuoso,” was a featured performer on the tour.

In the video below, conductor Michael Haithcock, associate professor Mark Clague, and publicist/tour manager Rachel Francisco share their reflections of the trip.