"Roam about the Classics" – an annual performance series – has kicked off at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing. The National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra launched this year's event Thursday night, with a concert featuring romantic and touching melodies. 

Opening with Georges Bizet's "Excerpts from Carmen Suite," the concert was held under the baton of French conductor Nicholas Chalvin. 

Concertmaster of the orchestra Wang Xiaomao said they selected romantic pieces in keeping with this year's theme "Music for Love." 

"Most of the pieces we performed tonight were composed by French musicians, including Bizet's 'Carmen Suite,' Faure's 'Pelleas et Melisande' and Debussy's 'La Mer.' We also invited Nicholas Chalvin, the French conductor, to raise the baton for the concert. France is regarded as a country of romance. So we hope the audience felt love and sweetness in our music,"  said Wang. 

Renowned pianist Chen Sa joined the orchestra in performing Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor. 

The award-winning musician stunned the audience with her thoughtful and powerful performance. 

The National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra impressed viewers with a dynamic show. According to music director Zhang Yi, the 60-year-old troupe plans to stick to its original pursuits. 

"As a major symphony orchestra in China, we have insisted on developing simultaneously in two ways. One way is to hone our skills in performing western classical music and collaborating with international musicians. The other is to develop symphonic music for our nation, to present symphony with Chinese characteristics. I think those are our two responsibilities," said Zhang. 

"Roam about the Classics" was established by the National Center for the Performing Arts in 2009. This year's edition runs from July 11 to 21. 

Organizers have invited world-renowned recitalists as well as famous Chinese and foreign artistic troupes, such as the Gershwin Piano Quartet and the King’s Singers, to perform.