On beethoven's back

The Vienna Symphony is on its way to China for a debut tour, with classical compositions performed in a grand tradition, Xu Jingxi reports from Guangzhou.

The Vienna Symphony orchestra is going to make its debut on the Chinese mainland in June, collaborating with high-profile conductor Simone Young to serve up a classical music feast of authentic Viennese flavor.

The 114-year-old orchestra will kick off its tour to six cities with a Beethoven night at Xinghai Concert Hall in Guangzhou on June 2. The Austrian orchestra's repertoire for its China tour features masterpieces from German and Austrian composers from the classical and romantic periods, including Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn and Brahms.