From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China

In 1979 violinist Isaac Stern accepted an invitation to visit China as an official guest of the Chinese government. The purpose was to get acquainted with the Chinese people and his fellow-musicians. Stern gave a few concerts and various master classes on the principle: 'first as musicians, then as friends'.Some of Stern's friends were convinced that this first visit by a solo musician would mean a turning point in the cultural relations between China and the West. During the Cultural Revolution western music had been taboo in China.The film shows this fascinating encounter between two totally different music cultures. By making this trip, Isaac Stern has made an important contribution to the renewed interest in western music in China.