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Celebrating 125 years of The Philadelphia Orchestra

Touring History

From its earliest trips across Pennsylvania to groundbreaking tours of the United States, Europe, and Asia, the Orchestra has shared its sound around the world. These tours have built friendships across borders and introduced new audiences to the joy of music. 

1911: First Tour

The Philadelphia Orchestra embarks on its first tour, performing in Pittsburgh, Akron, and Cleveland under the baton of Carl Pohlig.

1918: First International Performance

The Orchestra crosses the border for its first international performance, in Toronto, led by Leopold Stokowski.

1936: First Transcontinental Tour

The Orchestra travels more than 11,000 miles on a special train, giving 36 concerts throughout the U.S. and Canada on its first transcontinental tour, led by Leopold Stokowski.

1936: Ann Arbor May Festival

The Orchestra debuts at the Ann Arbor May Festival in Michigan, a tradition that would continue every spring through 1984.

1949: First European Tour

The Orchestra embarks on its first overseas tour, performing 28 concerts in the British Isles. 

1966: First Latin American Tour

Eugene Ormandy leads the Orchestra’s first tour to Latin America, performing in Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Guatemala, and Mexico. 

1967: First Asian Tour

The Orchestra visits Japan, including a performance at the Osaka International Festival, marking its first tour of Asia.

1973: A Historic Tour of China

The Philadelphia Orchestra becomes the first American orchestra to tour China, symbolizing a new era of cultural diplomacy. In 2012, the Orchestra deepens its relationship with China, inaugurating residency activities alongside performances. Since that first visit, the Philadelphians have returned 13 times—most recently in 2024—more than any other American orchestra.