The oratorio "Emigre," co-produced by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic has given its U.S. premiere at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall in New York.

The new oratorio depicts the story of Jewish refugees who fled Nazi Germany navigating their new life in Shanghai during the 1930s amid World War II, portraying the shared desire for a better future among different ethnic groups in a chaotic world.

The semi-staged New York adaptation combines music with visual elements like costumes and multimedia, presenting a realistic portrayal of historical Shanghai.

Conductor Yu Long says he hopes to interpret the concept of a "Shared Future for Mankind" through art, fostering global understanding of China's connections to the world.

"To foster a genuine sense of national pride, it's crucial for us to nurture love in our hearts and an affection directed towards our country and its people. This authentic pride serves as the driving force behind promoting the concept ( 'Shared Future for Mankind' ) to different regions of the world," said Yu.

Yu said the oratorio facilitates extensive collaboration between Chinese and U.S. artists, utilizing music to create artistic accomplishments that surpass national boundaries.

He said he believes this piece serves as a model for cultural exchanges between China and the U.S., promoting mutual learning and understanding among people from both nations and contributing to the rich history of Sino-U.S. cultural exchanges.

Yu looks forward to more opportunities like this to share Chinese stories on a global scale.

"Looking forward, we certainly hope to have more cooperation like this to share Chinese stories around the world," he said.

As "Emigre" is one of the most stunning shows of the New York Philharmonic's 2024 season, numerous media outlets, including National Public Radio (NPR) and the reputable classical music radio station WQRX, had extensively covered the performance.