One of China's largest arts festivals has officially kicked off in Beijing. 44 art troupes from 19 countries and regions will be taking part in more than 130 performances and activities as part of the 18th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival.

This year, the guest of honor country is Italy, and the opening concert last Friday at the National Center for the Performing Arts reflected that with a showcase for some of the most famous Italian operas and music.

The first half of the concert was Rossni time. Led by Italian conductor Andrea Molino, the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, together with several Italian opera singers, treated the audience with some of the most famous Rossini pieces including "The Barber of Seville" and "Les soiree musicale".

The second half was devoted to Vivaldi and Verdi, as Chinese conductor Tan Lihua led with Verdi's ''The Sicilian vespers''.

He arranged the program in a way that was both pleasing and entertaining to the ear.

Tan told CGTN that "Italy was a music powerhouse, they have many great composers, tenors, sopranos. So we really want to present this rich musical legacy. Opera is traditional Italian music, the music of language and love. Apart from opera, we also have Chinese violinist Lyu Siqing for a rendition of some of Vivaldi's classics."

Lyu presented Summer from Vivaldi's "Four Seasons," one of the most recorded pieces of classical music.

The opening evening's tribute to Italian music will be followed by more cultural activities as the Meet in Beijing arts festival progresses.

Li Jinsheng from China Arts and Entertainment Group, who helped organize the event, said, "This year, Italy is the guest country of honor. So we'll have shows, exhibitions, and a gourmet feast during the event. One of the highlights is Italian pianist Robert Prosseda, who will play a duet with a robot pianist. Since the piano was originally invented by an Italian, it should be interesting to see the chemistry between a human pianist and robot one."

Now in its 18th year, the Meet in Beijing arts festival will bring together nearly 800 artists from 19 countries and regions. It runs till the end of May.