The golden autumn season is approaching and so is Beijing's 6th International Music Festival. The capital city will once again welcome musicians from around the world when the event kicks off in mid October. The press conference of this year's musical feast was held on September 1, 2003 in Beijing.

Classic and modern, East and West find a common ground in this huge musical treat. Since the first Beijing Music Festival was launched in 1996, the event has gradually turned into an internationally renowned cultural event. Each year, modern musical delicacies join staple classic offerings, injecting fresh vigor into the festival. This time around, the menu offers two new dishes: Chinese operas Night Dinner and Diary of a Mad Man.

The London Chamber Orchestra and the Luxemburg Philharmonic Orchestra will make their very first Chinese appearances this year.

The organizing committee aims to take the Beijing International Music Festival to a new height by introducing several novel ideas. They established a special foundation management committee and launched an annual artist selection. They've also set up an international advisory board to enhance the festival's global appeal. The vice chairman is Serge Dumont, a very influential Frenchman in the international public relations field.

Great news for music buffs: co－sponsored by the Beijing Radio Station, the festival's organizing committee is opening a philharmonic fan club, offering ordinary people a close encounter with the high－brow art.

(CCTV.com September 3, 2003)