A Chinese folk music season is to begin in Beijing on June 17 and run until the end of the year.

The music season will open with a grand folk music concert at the Culture Palace Theater of Nationalities. To attract young audiences as well as old, the concert will feature young performing groups and use multimedia sound effects. Also, a crystal Pipe--traditional Chinese plucked string instrument, will be used during the concert.

Performances will be presented by five prestigious folk music troops in the country, including the Central Nationalities Song and Dance Ensemble, China National Music Ensemble, China Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra, China Song and Dance Ensemble and China Central Opera and Dance Drama Troupe.

Folk music lovers are guaranteed to enjoy a remarkable concert every month.

Previously, China's art market was mostly dominated by modern music and other art forms, such as drama and dance. This folk music season hopes to regain its lost ground.

(CRI June 9, 2005)