MONGOLIA

The agenda includes receptions, an afternoon Philadelphia Orchestra concert, and an appearance at University of Pennsylvania’s American Center for Mongolian Studies.

"Mongolia feels that it’s time to make a strong cultural statement, and I want that to be with the Philadelphia Orchestra," said Allison Vulgamore, president and CEO of the orchestra, who issued the invitation to Elbegdorj. She credits several congressmen with making letters of introduction and doing other things to help facilitate the visit. She especially mentioned Rep. Brendan Boyle (D., Pa.) of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

While such events are often about furthering mutual business interests, Vulgamore said the invitation "didn’t come from a place of money. . . . It’s a chance to know a quickly emerging country."

The Mongolian president has been a periodic U.S. visitor as part of the United Nations General Assembly, where he’ll be prior to Sept. 23. Philadelphia visits by such heads of state are uncommon, and even rarer is a state visit instigated by a cultural institution such as the Philadelphia Orchestra.

"This visit marks a significant moment in cross-cultural affairs and demonstrates Philadelphia’s role as a global destination," said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney in a statement released by the orchestra. Vulgamore sees the event as building on last year’s visit by Pope Francis and this year’s Democratic National Convention.

Source:http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20160912_Mongolia_s_president_to_visit_Philadelphia__thanks_to_Orchestra_tie.html