Diverse arts festival brings the world to Beijing

There are not many chances to hear Jose Carreras sing in Chinese, but Beijing audiences are about to get a rare opportunity. The tenor will perform Chinese song My Beijing, My Home on April 27 at the National Center for the Performing Arts.

His concert will kick off the 13th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, which runs until May 30.

According to Zhang Yu, president of China Arts and Entertainment Group, which presents the festival, Carreras is practicing his Chinese in preparation for the concert.

"Compared with 13 years ago when Meet in Beijing started, both China and the world have changed a lot," Zhang says. "China has become closer to the world, and that is showcased in the festival."

Over 60 art troupes from more than 20 countries will perform some 50 indoor and 100 outdoor shows, as well as putting on many exhibitions and educational events.

A diverse festival, the 2013 Meet in Beijing (www.meetinbeijing.org.cn) will present many performances, including a vocal recital by soprano Renee Fleming, a concert by the Horn Orchestra of Russia, drama Scoundrel Vs Angel, dance drama Water Language, and Chinese Minority Art Exhibition.