Ensembles assemble

Classical music lovers in Beijing will be treated to a monthlong feast of concerts as the National Centre for the Performing Arts welcomes the return of the biennial China Orchestra Festival, Chen Nan reports.

The biennial China Orchestra Festival returned with a number of top Chinese orchestras, conductors and soloists from all over the country showcasing their talents at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

Between March 30 and the end of this month, 21 concerts are being staged by 16 Chinese symphony orchestras under the baton of 15 conductors.

The opening concert was performed by the China NCPA Orchestra and conducted by maestro Valery Gergiev, featuring young Chinese cellist Li La. Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme and the Russian composer's Symphony No 5 in E Minor, Op 64 were played.