Russian maestro Valery Gergiev led the Mariinsky Orchestra to perform three sold-out concerts at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing in March. The concerts were among the first by any international musicians since China resumed approving commercial performances from overseas.

Three and a half years since their previous appearance in the country, the Russian conductor and the Mariinsky Orchestra were given a warm welcome in the Chinese capital by music enthusiasts. The concert tickets sold out in just 20 minutes. 

Three concerts were held from March 27 to 29, featuring Russian masterpieces by Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. 

Pieces by western European composers, including Debussy, Mendelssohn and Bruckner, were also in the program. In addition, the famous Chinese piece "Ode to Red Flag" was played to acknowledge the Chinese audience. 

"Our visit here is simply to demonstrate (that) cultural exchange worldwide is important and timely, especially between our two countries, where the relationship (grows) deeper and deeper," said Gergiev.

Valery Gergiev has been touring regularly in China since the 1990s. This is his 10th appearance on the stage of the National Center for the Performing Arts. He also led the NCPA Orchestra in a concert on March 30, featuring young Chinese cellist Li La.

This year, China and Russia plan to conduct a series of exchanges in the cultural field. Gergiev believes music plays a crucial role in connecting people and promoting mutual understanding. 

China is looking forward to the return of more international productions, ever since the country started approving shows by performers from overseas. These will continue to inject fresh vitality into China's performing arts industry as more follow.