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Violinist Lyu Siqing, artistic director of the May Festival. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The May Festival

The May Festival, an annual event to promote chamber music in China, is underway at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA). Initiated by the NCPA in 2009, this year the festival honors Ludwig van Beethoven with 17 recitals to mark the 190th anniversary of the German composer's death.

Highlights of the festival in upcoming days will be German pianist Lars Vogt performing Beethoven's five piano concertos along with the Royal Northern Sinfonia of Britain.

Learn more here.

If you go:

May 17-18, Concert Hall, National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district. 010 - 6655 0000

Ticket: 100-500 yuan ($15-70)