Celebrated Chinese pianist Qin Chuan is to give a solo performance of Mozart pieces in the Forbidden City to commemorate Mozart's 250th anniversary.

The concert is scheduled for Jan. 13 as the closing ceremony of the 2006 Mozart Year.

Qin, 31, will be accompanied by the China Philharmonic Orchestra under Chinese conductor Shi Shucheng.

Qin said he wanted to carry the vitality of Mozart's works, dating back more than 200 years to a modern audience.

He has earned gold medals in six international piano competitions and was the first artist in the history of the world-renowned Julliard School to earn both an artist's diploma and admittance to the doctoral program.

In 2003, he won the gold medal at the Messiaen Contemporary International Piano Competition.

Gabriele Feigl, head of cultural affairs with the Austrian embassy in Beijing, said a series of events had been held around the world to celebrate Mozart's 250th anniversary. A concert by Qin Chuan would help Chinese understand more about Mozart and his works.

Qin will also perform at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center on Jan. 14, accompanied by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra with Chinese conductor Chen Xieyang.

(Xinhua News Agency January 5, 2007)