Orchestra builds cultural bridges

LONDON - The London Symphony Orchestra has begun an intensive period of cultural bridge-building with China aimed at promoting East-West ties and mutual understanding. LSO has completed its sixth China tour.

"We are really building the connections between East and West," says LSO managing director Kathryn McDowell.

The orchestra, whose London home is at the Barbican Concert Hall, first toured China in 2004, a special honor for the orchestra because it was also the centenary year of the LSO, says McDowell.