Shanghai Symphony Orchestra kicks off world tour in US The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra holds a rehearsal ahead of its debut in Washington, performing a piece by Chinese composer Qigang Chen as well as Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances. The concert on Wednesday kicked off a three-week world tour held to mark the 140th anniversary of the orchestra - Asia's oldest - which will take them to cities such as Chicago, Amsterdam and London.