norman lebrecht
October 23, 2026
Yannick’s orchestra has raised about $300 million in a decade. Here’s the latest drop.
More than 50 years after The Philadelphia Orchestra became the first American orchestra to perform in the People’s Republic of China, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts announce a gift by Ambassador David L. Cohen (ret.) and Rhonda R. Cohen to advance the organization’s next chapter in cultural diplomacy.
A $10.5 million commitment establishes the Fund for Cultural Diplomacy, which will support the Orchestra’s domestic and international tours, residencies, performances, recordings, and educational exchanges around the world. It will advance mutual understanding while showcasing artistic excellence, innovation, and freedom of expression. The gift also creates the Artistic Innovation and Discovery Fund, guided by the artistic vision of Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, to support the performance of works by overlooked, underrepresented, and emerging composers, as well as celebrate the contributions of Jewish artists.