Philip Kates, a violinist from the Philadelphia Orchestra, visited Peking Union Medical College Hospital to give charity performances on Wednesday and Thursday, during a tour that marks 50 years since the orchestra's historic performance in China.

The orchestra first visited China in September 1973, marking a thaw in US-China relations after US president Richard Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972.

In the following 50 years, the orchestra came to China to perform several times. Kates always goes to the hospital to give performances to the patients, especially children in paediatric wards.

"I wish that the music can bring hope to people," said Kates, adding "Especially for people with illnesses. I believe music helps."

A patient surnamed Wang who passed by the orchestra that was performing in the hall of the outpatient building said it was the first time that she has listened to such beautiful classic music at a hospital.

"I come to the hospital today to see the doctor and I was not expecting to hear such a performance during a hospital visit, a pleasant surprise to me."

"I experienced the charm of music, and my tension of being ill was eased," she added.

According to the plan, the ensemble will be performing with the China National Symphony Orchestra at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, starting Friday.

Wang Songsong contributed to this story.

dujuan@chinadaily.com.cn