Artists perform Beijing Opera at the opening ceremony of the "Meet in Beijing 2008- Cultural Events" which kicked off on Monday, May 12, 2008. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

More than 100 performances and 60 exhibitions are scheduled to take place in Beijing between May and September. The cultural events - spanning opera, modern dance and music - are part of festivities for "Meet in Beijing 2008", a pre-Olympic event that kicked off on Monday.

It's obvious that that people are spoilt for choice. So how does one decide which performances to see and which ones to give a miss? Fret not. We spoke to three leading Chinese artists to pick out their favorites.

81-year-old composer and educator, Wu Zuqiang, also the honorary president of the Central Conservatory of Music, said he was most excited about the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra from the United States. He said the orchestra is famed for combining pop and classical music, with 50 of its albums making it to the US Billboard charts.

"I haven't had the chance to enjoy a live performance by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra so far. So, I'm really looking forward to attending their show in Beijing," Wu said.

Zhao Ruheng, President of National Ballet of China, plans to watch many performances during the upcoming cultural events. Her top recommendation is the Russia All Star Ballet composed of first class ballet stars.

Zhao Ruheng also gave a thumb up to Omada Edafous, a modern dance troupe from Greece.

The opera "Tea" by Chinese musician Tan Dun's is the top choice of Yu Feng, vice-president of the China National Opera House.

He said foreign guests would especially enjoy the show which is a window to Chinese culture.