The Philharmonic Orchestra of Monte-Carlo. Photo provided to China Daily

The Philharmonic Orchestra of Monte-Carlo, a world-famous orchestra with a history of more than 150 years, is touring China for the first time.

Performing in six cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Zhuhai, from May 9-17, the orchestra brings works of Gioachino Antonio Rossini, Beethoven and especially the French composer Maurice Ravel, in commemoration of the 140 years of his birth, under the baton of Gianluigi Gelmetti.

"The Philharmonic Orchestra of Monte-Carlo has a unique identity with strong Mediterranean and even Latin roots. Being the ambassador (cultural) of the country, we want to establish strong ties and promote our way to conceive and play music through this tour," says the Italian conductor and composer, Gelmetti, who returned as principal conductor of the orchestra in March 2012, after an earlier stint there from 1990 to 1991.