The National Center for the Performing Arts, known as the National Grand Theater, will start selling online tickets for a little as 30 yuan (US$4.3) per concert next week for performances during its first spring season.

Starting on April 18, classical music enthusiasts can book online tickets at the special price for many concerts and other events at the centre. More than 37 domestic orchestras from around the country will perform at the center from April 28 to June 15.

Ticketholders also will be able to go behind the scenes and attend rehearsals and interact with the musicians at lectures held during the spring performance season.

The centre also will screen music movies and host pipe organ concerts, chamber music performances and promotional activities for classical CDs.

Those who want to buy tickets should visit the centre's official web site (www.chncpa.org) and book them with their ID card or passport numbers. They can only use their numbers one time.

(CRI April 21, 2008)