Conductor Kristjan Jarvi [CRI]

If you are a big fan of classical music, then you have probably heard of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), one of the best-known orchestras in the world.

The LSO was once the official band of the British Queen, and is widely regarded as one of the world's leading orchestras known for their strong performances. If you have not heard the orchestra at the Barbican Centre in London where they normally play, you now have the chance to experience their extraordinary sound at the Beijing Poly Theatre.

Following two full performances in 2003 and 2007, the London Symphony Orchestra will revisit China on September 12th. Under the leadership of conductor Kristjan Jarvi, the LSO will present a concert with pianist Jean-yves Thibaudet.

For those who may remember, the LSO last visited China for the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics where they performed the British national anthem.

This year, a small handful of British orchestras will come to Beijing, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonic Orchestra and Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields. Of this distinguished group, the LSO ranks the highest.

Pianist Jean-yves Thibaudet [CRI]

According to the list of the Top Ten European Orchestras published by the French music magazine "Le Monde de la Musique" (The World of Music) in 2006, the LSO was ranked 4th, behind the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2008, the classical music magazine "Gramophone" invited eleven critics to compile a list of the world's top 20 orchestras. The LSO, in fourth place, beat other orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.

The Rolls-Royce London Symphony Orchestra Tour of China

Bernstein -- Symphonic Dances (from "West Side Story")

Liszt -- Piano Concerto

Rachmaninov -- Symphonic Dances

Time: 19:30 September 12, 2010.

Place: Beijing Poly Theatre, China.

Conductor: Kristjan Jarvi

Pianist: Jean-yves Thibaudet