Concerto dalla China Philharmonic Orchestra

History was made tonight as the Shanghai Opera House Chorus joined the China Philharmonic Orchestra to present Mozart's Requiem in the Paul VI Hall for Pope Benedict XVI. The China Philharmonic is overseen by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, which is under the direct supervision of the Chinese State Council--making tonight's event perhaps the closest encounter the Holy Father and the Chinese Government have had since the Chinese Revolution.

Long Yu, conductor for the orchestra, before conducting the Requiem introduced it as a gesture of peace and love, and following the symphony, Pope Benedict spoke of the ability of music to reach across cultures. The orchestra played in honor of the Holy Father 'Jasmine Flower' in closing, one of the best known Chinese folk songs--also used by Puccini in his opera Turandot.

Afterwards the six of us who joined the audience ate at a Chinese restaurant, just to stay consistent.