NCPA to honor composer at festival

May Festival, an annual event to promote chamber music in China, will be held from May 6 to 27 at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing.

Initiated by the NCPA in 2009, the festival will honor Ludwig van Beethoven with 17 recitals, marking the 190th anniversary of the German composer's death this year.

The opening recital will be performed by the NCPA's own orchestra, Shanghai Quartet and French Ensemble of Eight Cellos, with musicians such as violinist Lyu Siqing, pianist Chen Sa and percussionist Li Biao.