Welcome to a series that chronicles an extraordinary adventure—our orchestral tour across China with the Symphonique des Bords de Loire. Over several weeks, I’ll take you behind the scenes, sharing stories, insights, and reflections from this unforgettable experience.
From the moment we departed Nantes, through bustling airports, sleepless flights, and rehearsals in unfamiliar yet fascinating settings, this series captures the spirit of discovery and camaraderie that defined our tour. You’ll get a front-row seat to the highs and lows of being part of an orchestra on the move, from our first concert in Yong Zhou, Hunan Province, to the grand theatre of Xian Ju, Zhejiang Province.
Through these posts, I’ll document not just our performances but the moments in between—the quiet reflections, the cultural exchanges, and the surprising connections that remind us how music transcends borders. With nearly 500 photographs (both in colour and black and white), I’ll also bring to life the cities we visited, the people we met, and the vibrant tapestry of life in modern China.
This series will delve into:
- The Journey: From long-haul flights to navigating Chinese airports.
- Cultural Immersion: Our encounters with Chinese traditions, cuisine, and everyday life.
- The Music: Rehearsals, performances, and the emotional resonance of sharing music across cultures.
- Unexpected Moments: The surprises, challenges, and joys that come with touring as a musician.
Whether you’re a musician, a traveller, or simply curious about life on tour, I hope this series offers an authentic glimpse into what it means to share music across the world.
Start the Journey: Begin with our first post, “From Nantes to Changsha,” where the adventure begins—at 2 a.m., on a coach to Paris, which will be published on the 17th of January at 17h CET.
Despite everything, I must remind you of the golden rule observed by so many musicians, what happens on tour, stays on tour. We all have to have our little secrets after all…
您可以在这里了解更多关于我们巡演的信息，并阅读更多有关中国的文章。
And now for a couple of photos….
IJM Photography 
looking forward to your “adventure.”
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So am I!
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Very nice photos, Ian. I especially enjoyed the photos of simple homes next to the water.
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Those photos were possibly the best of the day…
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China Series: An Orchestral Journey
This series chronicles the photographer’s experience on a multi-week orchestral tour across China with the Symphonique des Bords de Loire. The context is a journey of cultural discovery and musical performance in cities like Yong Zhou and Xian Ju. The artistic result is a promised set of nearly 500 photographs (in color and B&W) that document the vibrant tapestry of modern China, focusing on cultural immersion, the performances, and the unexpected moments of life on tour—though the author reminds readers, “what happens on tour, stays on tour.” Documenting this transnational musical and visual journey is the true cutting edger.
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Thank you. It was a life changing experience. Definitely a before and after event. I just tried to document everything I could and share the experience that not many of us get to live. I loved China and the Chinese I met.
I would go back tomorrow if I could…
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