The troupe has prepared masterpieces by great musicians including Beethoven, Mozart and Dvorak for Chinese audiences. A musical piece produced by an overseas Chinese, Yu Jingjun, will also be premiered.

The CPAA said joint performance by Chinese and foreign artists has become popular among Chinese audience in recent years, indicating the growing reputation of Chinese artists.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1880, stages more than 120 performances annually for an audience of 250,000. Its members have produced music for prize-winning films such as Babe and Hotel Sorrento.

The troupe is also invited for a guest performance at the China International Arts Festival which will be held in mid-November.

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2002)