May 3, 2010 Sichuan, China - Philadelphia Orchestra musician Philip Kates fulfilled a promise he made two years ago. He traveled with his Orchestra peers to revisit the earthquake-hit Sichuan Province and through their music, delivered a message of hope and friendship. The musicians who accompanied him include Don Liuzzi, percussionist, Carol Jantsch, tuba player and Paul Roby, violinist.

Two years ago, the Philadelphia Orchestra was touring China to celebrate the 35th anniversary of it historic 1973 performance, just weeks after a devastating earthquake hit Sichuan Province. The Orchestra used its influence and role as cultural ambassadors to mobilize resources and secure donations from US corporations, organizations and individuals. At the same time, orchestra musicians collectively contributed funds which were used to build a music classroom at the Tianma Primary School. Orchestra violinist, Philip Kates, volunteered to fly to Mianzhu, one of the hardest hit cities in Sichuan, to play his music for and engage the children who survived, but were still suffering the trauma caused by the tragic event.. Since that time in 2008, Mr. Kates has been thinking of the children he met in Sichuan, hoping that he would have the opportunity to return and see the children again.

After learning of Mr. Kates' wishes, the Pennsylvania Center, China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF) and Tyco Electronics offered to collectively figure out how he and 3 other musicians could travel to travel to Sichuan during the Orchestra's 2010 tour in China.

During their stay in Sichuan, the musicians visited Sichuan Du Jiang Yan Tian Ma Primary School, home of the Philadelphia Orchestra-donated music classroom. Before performing for the students, they participated in a short ceremony that included a performance by the Tianma drum and trumpet band and the unveiling of a plaque in the classroom, honoring the Philadelphia Orchestra contribution that made the classroom possible.

"My visit to Sichuan after the earthquake in 2008 was of such great meaning to me. The spirit of the Sichuan people was so beautiful to feel and I am privileged to return. I am especially grateful to Tyco Electronics for making it possible to bring three of my Orchestra colleagues to share music and friendship once again with the amazing Chinese people."

About The Philadelphia Orchestra

Founded in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra has distinguished itself as one of the leading orchestras in the world through a century of acclaimed performances, historic international tours, best-selling recordings, and its unprecedented record of innovation in recording technologies and outreach. The Orchestra has maintained unity in artistic leadership with only seven music directors throughout its history: Fritz Scheel (1900-07), Carl Pohlig (1907-12), Leopold Stokowski (1912-41), Eugene Ormandy (1936-80), Riccardo Muti (1980-92), Wolfgang Sawallisch (1993-2003), and Christoph Eschenbach (2003-08).

Widely known as the first US orchestra to perform in China in 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra is the premier cultural ambassador in building up the relationship between Philadelphia and China. The earliest historic record mentioned that as early as 1940, musicians of the Orchestra, along with students from the Curtis Insitute of Music, performed a special benefit concert to aid Chinese hospitals. More recently in June 2008, the Philadelphia Orchestra played the 35th Anniversary Concert in commemorating 1973 ice-breaking concert at the Hall of the Nationalities. Exactly In the aftermath of the Si Chuan earthquake tragedy, the Philadelphia Orchestra helped raise funds from the US business community and personal donations. Chief Conductor Charles Dutoit makes his first international tour with The Philadelphia Orchestra on the 2010 Tour of Asia.

In May 2010, at the Invitation of the Bureau of Shanghai World Expo Coordination, Philadelphia Orchestra performs at Expo Culture Center and continues to honor its commitment and connection to the people of China as a cultural ambassador.

About Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians

Philip Kates

Philip Kates joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1980. He started the violin at three years old with his father, violinist-composer Henry Kates. Mr. Kates is also a violinist with the Liebesfreud String Quartet and a composer himself. He leads an active life in community service, raising funds for numerous humanitarian charities and other organizations. Since 1990 he has performed as solo violinist at Philadelphia's annual Holocaust Memorial Observance Ceremony, and since 1977 he has performed in Philadelphia-area nursing homes, hospices, and soup kitchens. As an educator, Mr. Kates has been guest lecturer for Temple University and Philadelphia Elderhostel, and he has presented programs to children in schools throughout the United States and during the Orchestra's international tours.

Don Liuzzi

Don Liuzzi joined The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1989 after being with the Pittsburgh Symphony percussion section from 1982 to 1989. While in Pittsburgh he was assistant conductor of the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra, and appeared on PBS' nationally syndicated Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, performing marimba and percussion solos. A participating musician in the documentary film Music from the Inside Out, Mr. Liuzzi also served as the film's coordinating producer. Mr. Liuzzi has given master classes at most major music schools throughout the United States, and in Canada, Mexico, Spain, Korea, and China. For several seasons he has been a percussion and timpani coach at the Canton International Summer Music Academy. He joined the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music in January 1994 and also is conductor for Philadelphia's premier High School orchestra.

Carol Jantsch

Carol Jantsch was appointed Principal Tuba of the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2006 as the first female tuba player in a major symphony orchestra. She won this position while a senior at the University of Michigan, from which she earned her Bachelor of Music. Carol also studied at the prestigious boarding high school Interlochen Arts Academy. Her numerous awards and honors include first prize in four international solo tuba competitions, an appearance on NPR's "From The Top," and a solo performance in Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall. She is in high demand as a soloist and for master classes, and she joined the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music in 2008. Carol recently released her first solo recording, "Cascades," featuring a wide variety of works that stretch the virtuosic capabilities of the tuba. For more information, visit www.caroljantsch.com

Paul Roby

Paul Roby's first lessons were from his parents, a violinist and an oboist. His early studies continued with Mary Crowder-Hess and Roman Totenberg, students of Ivan Galamian and Carl Flesch, respectively. At the age of 16, Mr. Roby was accepted into the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Immediately after graduation from Curtis, Mr. Roby won a position with the Baltimore Symphony and soon after became a member of the National Symphony. In 1991 Mr. Roby became a member of The Philadelphia Orchestra, in November 2000 was named Associate principal second violin and since 2008 has been serving as Acting Principal. He loves baseball, is married and has a son and daughter, each who play the violin!

About China Youth Development Foundation

The China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF), a non-governmental and non-profit national organization, was founded in Beijing in March 1989.

The non-profit or "third" sector in China developed during a period of reform and opening-up. An open, dynamic market economy was gradually replacing a closed, centrally planned economy, resulting in widespread social change and breakdowns in the welfare system. No longer able to rely on the government to ensure job security and social benefits, people became increasingly self-sufficient and more independent. The rejuvenation in Chinese society created an unprecedented friendly environment for the development of China's previously insignificant non-profit sector. As one of the earliest non-profit organizations to be established, the CYDF has seen remarkable success.

Since its founding, the CYDF has devoted itself to the well being and development of Chinese youth, primarily with regards to education, health, environmental protection, volunteerism and engagement. The mission of CYDF is to help young people build capacity and to improve the environment for the development of young people by providing aid services, giving a voice to the interests of young people and carrying out social advocacy. At the same time, the CYDF has played an integral and active role in the development of non-profit organizations in China by organizing and promoting international exchanges and cooperation.

About Tyco Electronics

With a 50-plus year history of leadership, Tyco Electronics is a US$10.3 billion global provider of engineered electronic components for thousands of consumer and industrial products; network solutions and systems for telecommunications and energy markets; undersea telecommunication systems; and specialty products. We design, manufacture and market products for customers in a broad array of industries including automotive; data communication systems and consumer electronics; telecommunications; aerospace, defense and marine; medical; energy; and lighting. Tyco Electronics is an independent, publicly traded company whose common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "TEL."

Tyco Electronics manufacture approximately 450,000 precision-engineered products - all backed by approximately 78,000 committed employees with a singular commitment to bringing a performance advantage to every technology, product and service Tyco Electronics can provide.