Ode to Olympics creates rapport between culture and sports with 20 original songs composed over a six-month span last year, specifically for the Games.(Photo: CCTV.com)

The Sun God Apollo is said to have lit the first Olympic flame, bringing brightness and warmth to humanity. One hundred and eleven years after the birth of the modern Olympics, the sacred flame is to be gathered this week, at ancient Olympia - to lend its brightness and warmth to the 29th Olympiad.

In Beijing, the host city for the Games, a series of events is underway leading the way to the grand occasion. The six-month performance season began with its first show, Saturday night. It was the Ode to Olympics, by the China Coal Mine Art Troupe.

Ode to Olympics creates rapport between culture and sports with 20 original songs composed over a six-month span last year, specifically for the Games.

The gala explored different musical assemblies - solos, duets, choruses and poem recitals which were accompanied by the original music of Chinese singer composer Guo Feng.

The music was arranged in five chapters. Each chapter emphasized a part of the Olympic spirit - peace, friendship and progress - higher, swifter, stronger - equality and justice - participation means more than winning. The final segment was dedicated to the principal theme of this year's Games - One World, One Dream. Each section features contemporary dance, ballet, tap dance and Latin dance.

(CCTV March 26,2008)