Having fun with the classics

Shanghai's stand-up comedian Zhou Libo will make a rare appearance in Beijing later this month to perform with the China Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yu Long.

Titled A Musical Discourse Between Zhou and Yu, the performance will be held at the Forbidden City Concert Hall on Saturday. "I hope Zhou's participation will shorten the distance between the audience and symphony music, and let the audience have more fun while appreciating music," says Yu, artistic director of the China Philharmonic Orchestra and initiator of the concert.

The program will include some of the most popular works of Western classical music, such as Beethoven's Ode to Joy, Johann Strauss' Radetzky March and Bizet's Carmen Overture.