Nestle (China) Ltd. and the Beijing Music Festival signed an agreement on August 5 to extend by three years Nestle's sponsorship of this international music festival. Nestle has been a extended sponsor of the Beijing Music Festival for 11 years since 2000. The new agreement will continue the partnership through 2013.

The signing ceremony between Nestle (China) Ltd. and the Beijing Music Festival.

2010 marks the 13th anniversary of the Beijing Music Festival. The season will be inaugurated by Lang Lang's piano performance and will close with the debut of the Festival's new opera Song of Farewell, created by Beijing Music Festival and its leadership of Yu Long. Nestle is a main sponsor of Song of Farewell.

Song of Farewell is a new, creative composition of the Beijing Music Festival in promoting opera in China. It combines Chinese and Western art elements through the recreation of an Oriental story in the form of Western opera. The opera has attracted an impressive line-up of artists and will undoubtedly bring an enjoyable experience to the audience. Nestle will sponsor Song of Farewell's debut at the Beijing Poly Theatre on October 30. This masterwork will be introduced to overseas audiences as well.

"It is a great privilege for Nestle to continue our support to the Beijing Music Festival," Mr. Patrice Bula, Chairman and CEO of Nestle (China) Ltd. said. "Over the past 13 years, Beijing Music Festival has become a highly recognized icon of China. It is recognized for its excellence, style and innovation, as well as culture and tradition. These are the values that Nestle also shares in our commitment to delivering Good Food. Good Life to the consumers. Nestle is proud to be a long-standing sponsor of the Beijing Music Festival."

"We are especially proud of the opportunity to present Song of Farewell to Chinese audiences," Mr. Bula added. "Song of Farewell is an innovative creation of the Beijing Music Festival, using classic Western opera skills to reconstruct a distinctive Chinese story. I look forward to its successful debut at the Poly Theater on October 30."

This year's Beijing Music Festival will last 21 days from October 11 to October 31. Song of Farewell will be the closing program of the season.