Pearl S. Buck International Orchestrates a Partnership

Last night was pretty amazing.  I went to philanthropist Happy Rockefeller's home in NYC for a special reception to celebrate the launch of the Philadelphia Orchestra's Inaugural Residency in China, as part of my role on the Orchestra's Global Advisory Council.  The view from her Fifth Avenue apartment was directly over Central Park, and her home was beautiful.  Happy was warm and welcoming.  She told me that she has read many Pearl S. Buck books but has not visited the Pearl S. Buck House in Bucks County, PA, (yet).  Of course, I extended a warm welcome for her to visit soon.  Henry Kissinger was among the guests at the reception as well as Ambassador Nicholas Platt, PA Senator Mike Brubaker, and Freda Wang, Executive Director of Asia Society and 30 others.  When Allison Vulgamore, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra spoke, I could see why she is a compelling leader.  I actually got chills when she recalled that the Philadelphia Orchestra's visit to China in 1973 was to benefit the Chinese people, and today, through this new residency program in China, the Orchestra shall benefit as well as Chinese people. I sincerely hope that Pearl S. Buck International can help to build this exciting residency program in China. The initiative certainly fits with our mission to promote and develop an understanding of the value and attributes of other cultures, cross cultural appreciation and worldwide partnerships.  The Philadelphia Orchestra and Pearl S. Buck International are committed to a partnership with the people of China and a growing relationship built on trust and responsibility.  I cannot wait to see the Orchestra's performance in Shanghai on June 6th.  More to follow...

Janet Mintzer
President & CEO
Pearl S. Buck International
www.pearlsbuck.org