At concerts, instead of performing exactly what is prepared, musicians are ready to reach beyond that and take risks, he says, "and that's something that I enjoy about the orchestra".

"Counting myself, musicians with the Berliner Philharmoniker come from 32 countries and regions," Mei, the first principal viola player and the first Chinese musician of the Berliner Philharmoniker, tells China Daily. "Through my two music seasons with the company, I have gained more understanding that music is an art without borders… we have all come together to serve the music … I am not so naive as to believe that my joining will bring any immediate change to the sound of our company. There are more than 100 of us and we must work as one. I need to know when to show my individuality and lead my section but mostly I need to learn when to support and let others shine."

Aside from the four symphony and seven chamber ensemble concerts, the company will hold master classes, play in a range of nonconventional venues and engage with the community. On Friday, Mei and several colleagues are set to go to suburban Shanghai's Lingang area and play a chamber concert at Dishui Lake Theater.