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The Cultural Diplomacy Study Group, fall 2026; session two.
This session will explore the role of cultural institutions in sustaining relationships across borders during periods of political uncertainty and tension, using the remarkable histories of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra in China as two case studies.
In 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra, led by Eugene Ormandy, became the first American symphonic ensemble to perform in China, beginning what would become more than five decades of musical exchange and relationship-building. Six years later, following the normalization of U.S.–China diplomatic relations, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, under Seiji Ozawa, made its own historic visit to China in 1979, performing alongside China’s Central Philharmonic and further demonstrating music’s ability to create connections across political and cultural boundaries.
Bringing together representatives from both orchestras, the conversation will consider what these histories can teach us about cultural diplomacy today. How are relationships established through culture sustained across generations? What allows cultural institutions to maintain trust when the broader political relationship becomes more complicated? What responsibilities—and limitations—do artists and cultural institutions encounter when operating in politically sensitive environments? And can longstanding cultural
Guest Speakers
Ryan Fleur, President and Chief Executive Officer, Philadelphia Orchestra
Ryan Fleur spent the last 13 years in executive-level positions with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the recently merged institution, the Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts, including as executive director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and played a key role in its merger with the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (now Ensemble Arts Philly). In 2024 Fleur played an integral role in the dedication of Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Prior to the Philadelphia Orchestra, Fleur was president and CEO of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and held executive positions at Boston Ballet, the New York Philharmonic, and the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston. While serving as program director and pianist for Boston Ballet, he was selected to participate in the Orchestra Management Fellowship Program of the League of American Orchestras. He then served in the executive office of the New York Philharmonic. A pianist, Fleur earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and business from Boston University.
Daniel Mallampalli, Assistant Vice President of Artistic Planning, Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO)
Daniel Mallampalli currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Artistic Planning for the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO). He plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the artistic vision of the BSO to benefit and prioritize the programmatic growth and financial sustainability of the organization. Mallampalli is responsible for developing long-term artistic strategies and annual programming plans, while fostering and maintaining relationships with artists, agents, producers and other key stakeholders. Providing oversight of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, he works to identify and create collaborative opportunities between the BSO’s Artistic, Pops, and Humanities teams to develop and implement diverse and compelling programs, festivals, initiatives, productions, exhibitions, and special events.
Location: Hybrid — Harvard Kennedy School and Zoom
This program will be held in a hybrid format, with participation available in person at Harvard Kennedy School or virtually via Zoom.
In-person attendance requires a valid Harvard ID. All other participants are welcome to join virtually.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will receive a confirmation once approved.
The Cultural Diplomacy Study Group is an initiative of the Cultural Diplomacy Project, an initiative under the auspices of Harvard Kennedy School’s Program on Diplomacy and Statecraft.
Founded by Ambassador Nicholas Burns, the Program on Diplomacy and Statecraft serves as a global hub for advancing the practice and study of diplomacy, negotiation, and statecraft. The Cultural Diplomacy Project examines the importance of music, art, and cultural heritage in modern diplomacy, convening practitioners, scholars, artists, policymakers, and leaders from around the world.