Scotland's national orchestra is to tour China for the first time at the end of this year.
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) will play mainland Asia for the first time in the New Year thanks to a £110,000 grant from the Scottish Government, which will see them play in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin and Macau, as well as the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing.
The RSNO, with new music director, Peter Oundjian will perform six concerts at five venues in two provinces in December and January.
Mr Oundjian said: "I feel privileged to be taking the RSNO on its first China tour and to be representing Scotland abroad, particularly at such an early point of my tenure.
"The orchestra has a strong reputation overseas through its touring and extensive discography and it will be rewarding to continue to fulfil our international remit.
"In addition, I am especially looking forward to celebrating Hogmanay with my new colleagues."
A spokesman for the orchestra, asked whether the orchestra felt comfortable touring a country heavily criticised for its human rights record, said: "In addition to the positive progress being made through diplomatic means the very fact that artists and their audiences engage with each other through their practice contributes to a greater understanding and democratic exchange, in which the RSNO is proud to play its part."
All five of Scotland's national performing companies will now be engaging in international activity in the next 12 months.
Dr Brian Lang, chair of the orchestra, said: "This tour represents a tremendous opportunity to showcase the talents of Scotland's national orchestra. To take 90 musicians and staff across the globe is no small undertaking – it takes a great deal of planning and a significant level of support.
"I am particularly grateful for the level of assistance the Scottish Government has provided, without which this would not be possible."
Fiona Hyslop, the culture secretary, announced the tour to the Scottish Parliament yesterday: "Overseas tours showcase Scotland's creative talent on a world stage, further enhancing our global reputation.
"They also strengthen cultural and diplomatic links.
"This programme of concerts illustrates the increased cultural collaboration between Scotland and China resulting from the Memorandum of Understanding on culture which the First Minister, Alex Salmond, signed in Beijing last year."
She added: "In the face of deep public spending cuts imposed by the UK Government, we have managed to maintain this year's revenue funding for the Companies at 2011-12 levels.
"In addition, I have maintained the £350,000 budget for the International Touring Fund this year, and a similar allocation is outlined for the remainder of this spending review period."
Mr Oundjian joins the RSNO as music director for the start of the orchestra's 2012/13 season.
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