Beijing classical festival looks to grow

When Ge Li was 5 years old, she "made" a violin from elastic rings and a small piece of wood, after watching local musicians play at a concert. As she grew up, she began to study the real instrument at a music school in Beijing, and went to Europe and the United States to pursue her studies in classical music.

Now in her 40s, Ge is settled in the Chinese capital. Although she doesn't play the violin professionally owing to motherhood and a family business, she says she wants to give people hope in their lives through classical music, which has comforted her in sadness.

Last year, she founded the Camerata Music Festival in Beijing, where members of the China National Symphony Orchestra performed at a school for expat children. The festival this year has developed further with a series of events, including master classes and concerts held in May and October.