On 3^rd March, in the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., Mongolian Ambassador B.Altangerel, and the President and CEO of the world famous Philadelphia Sypmhony Orchestra, Allison Vulgamore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Mongolia and Philadelphia Orchestra. Musicians from both sides, performed during the signing event, which took place in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee of the Capitol.

According to a press release by the Philadelphia Orchestra: “The MoU documents a cooperative commitment whereby the Orchestra will be in “Residence” to engage in “People-to-People” cultural diplomacy, including two full orchestra concerts, as well as a series of special events throughout Ulaanbaatar. The events will be designed in partnership with Mongolian musicians, local schools and cultural institutions, as well as other civic and government institutions. The Philadelphia Orchestra will be the first Western orchestra to perform in Mongolia”

The press release continues: “Members of Pennsylvania’s Senate and Congressional delegation, led by U.S. Senator Robert Casey, Jr., and U.S. Representative Joe Pitts, were in attendance, as were Mongolian Ambassador to the U.S. Bulgaa Altangerel and Ambassador Nicholas Platt. In addition State Department officials, business leaders in the Asia and Pacific region, and thought leaders in the area of cultural diplomacy gathered for the event.

"Today, on behalf of Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, I am honored to sign an MOU with The Philadelphia Orchestra to express our commitment in hosting the Orchestra’s concerts in the City of Ulaanbaatar in the summer of 2017,” said Ambassador Altangerel. “I personally see this partnership as an open gateway to a blossoming relationship between our two cultures through bringing Western music and exploring and promoting Mongolian traditional cultural heritages to the United States. I believe that this visit provides an open platform for U.S. and Mongolian government institutions, businesses, and cultural institutions to engage and collaborate.”