Urumqi and Changji in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region will host the Third West China Symphony Week from June 2 to 8.

During the Symphony Week, symphony orchestras from cities such as Chongqing municipality and Kunming of Yunnan province, and regions including the Tibet autonomous region will present 17 performances for Xinjiang locals.

In addition to classical music such as the German composer Beethoven and the Russian musician Tchaikovsky, a number of contemporary scores featuring local characteristics of Western China will also be played.

Other activities will be organized during the week such as a joint meeting for orchestra leaders and a musical introduction to campuses.

Zhang Jianxi, vice head of the Xinjiang Theatre said that it was Xinjiang’s first time to hold the symphony week. “[The week] is a prelude for the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. It is expected to show off the region’s art development and to provide a chance for art troupes to learn from each other,” said Zhang.

The sponsors of the event are the National Ministry of Culture, the People’s Government of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the Culture Department.