Charles Dutoit and the National Youth Orchestra of the USA stage a concert in Beijing in July. Photo provided to China Daily

Dutoit has since performed many times at the Beijing Music Festival that Yu founded in 1998.

The Swiss conductor has been invited to work as co-director of Shanghai's annual Music In the Summer Air festival Yu founded in 2010.

"I really appreciate maestro Dutoit's commitment to China," Yu says.

"I'm proud to have been with him in many first initiatives in China. He teaches me a lot and helps to build a bridge between China and the world music scene."

Dutoit says it was a little difficult for Yu at first.

"Chinese musicians, teachers and old people were protecting their own work. They didn't want much interference by foreigners," he says.

"But now they've become more open to the world, and we see Chinese musicians all over the world, in great orchestras."

The first cello of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra is from Shanghai and the first oboe in the New York Philharmonic is also Chinese, he cites as examples.

Chinese pianist Li Yundi is touring with Dutoit and the NYO-USA.

People often compare Li with celebrated Chinese pianist Lang Lang, since they're the same age and both became internationally famous at the same time.

But Dutoit asks: Why compare?

"They are very different, and they are both good players."

Lang Lang, of course, is establishing himself not only as a pianist, but also as a musician who does some commercial things. He is probably more known than others because of that, he says.

"But they are both very good. It's always a pleasure to work with them."

He says Chinese musicians show tremendous potential, but there's no tradition of social support.

"You see, New York is New York. There are lots of people and money supporting ideas. And there is a tradition to support institutions. The Rockefeller Foundation helped to establish Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Carnegie Hall also has many patrons," he explains.

"China also has a lot of money, but it's new. It takes time to develop the culture to support the arts and education. And the audience will also improve. Be patient. It's clear that China is leading many things in the world and also in music."

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