Beijing Music Festival celebrates 20th anniversary

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2017 marks the 20th anniversary of Beijing Music Festival or BMF for short. The festival is recognized as a landmark annual cultural event in China.

While spreading Western classical music to Chinese audiences, the festival has also successfully promoted the essence of Chinese music to the world.

Launched in 1998, Beijing Music Festival has witnessed the development of symphony in China in the past two decades.

Now, BMF has become a name card for Beijing's art and culture scenes, as well as the most international and professional feast of classical music in China, and perhaps in all of Asia.

Archive photo from the 15th BMF. /CFP Photo

It presents about 30 concerts in October every year, attracting artists and audiences from around the world.

Spectators have chances to enjoy a wide variety of performances including opera, orchestral music, solo, choral concerts and jazz.

Numerous performances are presented as China or Asian premiers at BMF, such as the China premiere of Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 8; the Asian premiere of Alban Berg's opera, Lulu; Guo Wenjing's operas, Ye Yan and Wolf Club Village; and the China premiere of Ricard Wagner's complete Ring Cycle.

"The aim of the Beijing Music Festival is not only to bring the best foreign work to China, but to introduce excellent Chinese bands, composers, and work to the world," according to Yu Long, Artistic Director of BMF.

Archive photo from the 19th BMF. /CFP Photo

As a landmark annual cultural event in China, BMF also gives prominence to music education and community engagement.

Concerts for children and students, as well as master classes, are offered for free during the event, drawing about 6,000 music students, teachers, and spectators.

For audiences, Beijing Music Festival has always been a platform for high quality shows crossing over old and new, east and west.

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