Chinese orchestra heading to Muscatine
By Matthew Martinez
The City of Muscatine is excited to welcome the world-renowned China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra (CBCO) to perform in Muscatine on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.
The performance is free and open to the public.
CBCO is a national level Chinese Orchestra that was established in 1953 as one of the five troupes of the China Broadcasting Performing Arts Troupe. The orchestra has performed in more than 70 countries and regions to promote Chinese culture and art, making it widely known around the world.
Glad Cheng and Daniel Wang of China Windows Group extended the invitation to CBCO to perform in Muscatine after they perform in Chicago and Detroit as part of Chinese New Year Celebrations. The Muscatine-China Initiatives Committee and the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra are working with China Windows Group to coordinate the performance in Muscatine.
“We are honored that the orchestra chose to come to Muscatine,” said Carolyn Airola, president of Muscatine Symphony Orchestra’s board of directors. “It’s a great opportunity to hear another style of instrumental music and meet with people from another culture.”
While CBCO is in Muscatine they will stay with host families and have tours of the community. Muscatine High School orchestra students will have the opportunity to welcome CBCO members to their orchestra class.
China Windows Group saw the CBCO performance as an opportunity to further their mission of strengthening the relationship between Muscatine and China.
“We look forward to bringing high level Chinese performing arts to Muscatine and we hope the concert gives viewers a glimpse into Chinese culture,” Wang said.
Since forming China Windows Group, Cheng and Wang became minority investors in the Merrill Hotel Project and purchased the former Marie Lindsay Building at 129 W 2nd Street with initial thoughts of using the facility for tourism, historical and cultural displays. 2911 Bonnie Drive was acquired and developed into the Sino-U.S. Friendship House.
The Sino-U.S. Friendship House serves as a symbol of the old and new friendships between China, the United States, and specifically Muscatine. Chinese President Xi Jin Ping stayed in the house in 1985 when he was part of a delegation learning about modern agricultural techniques. Cheng and Wang are strong supporters of Muscatine’s Sister City efforts and have provided support to local students in exchange programs to China.
