The spirit of the Olympics and the vitality of youth are celebrated at a concert in the ancient city of Xi'an.(Photo: CCTV.com)

The spirit of the Olympics and the vitality of youth are celebrated at a concert in the ancient city of Xi'an.

The capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province played host to the event, performed by Chinese university students and student musicians from Stanford University in the US. The Stanford group are on the biggest tour of China they've ever taken.

The concert opened with Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, played by the Stanford Symphony Orchestra.

Chinese and American musicians took the stage in turn. Chinese musicians performed the masterpiece Chinese Violin Concerto "The Butterfly Lovers". Beethoven's Symphony No.9 "Ode to Joy" followed.

"A Musical Journey to the Olympics" - the title of the concert series by the Stanford Symphony Orchestra - includes twelve performances in China. The orchestra will be stopping in Hangzhou, Xi'an, Shanghai and Beijing.

The tour is intended to promote cultural exchange and strengthen understanding between the two nations, especially among youth.

(CCTV June 26, 2008)