The Vienna String Soloists, a renowned chamber orchestra with a "velvet tone," will perform on Friday at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center.

The 11 chamber musicians will perform four classical pieces from the baroque, classic and romantic periods. The ensemble includes six violins, two violas, two cellos and a double bass.

Programs include "Divertimento in D Major" by Mozart, "String Sonata No. 1" by Rossini, "Double Concerto in D Minor" by Bach and "Serenade for String Orchestra" by Tchaikovsky.

Founded in 1974 by members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna String Soloists has a repertoire spanning the baroque era to the present day, with emphasis on Viennese classicism and romantic period.

The ensemble began touring overseas in 1979. "A velvet string tone," said a Swiss newspaper as the ensemble's fame spread worldwide. It performed in China for the first time at the sixth Shanghai International Arts Festival in 2004.

George Forrest, 70, was the solo cellist for the Vienna Chamber Orchestra for 14 years before he joined Vienna String Soloists in 1988. He performed in Shanghai in 2004 and says this concert will be distinct in repertoire and enriched by new members.

Date: April 25, 7:30pm
Address: 425 Dingxiang Rd, Pudong
Tickets: 100-680 yuan
Tel: (8621)6854-1234

(Shanghai Daily April 23, 2008)