Will the 2008 Beijing Olympics theme song be an easy listening crowd pleaser the world can sing along to, or a classic with Chinese characteristics?

The Olympic theme song remains a mystery. Some say it will be one of the thirty songs awarded prizes on the April 30 Beijing Olympic Songs Show. But the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee is keeping tight-lipped, saying no more than the song may be chosen from among entries to "Olympic song collection activities", or it may be a completely new song. It seems we will have to wait until August 8 for the answer.

To make the Beijing Games a unique experience, organizers have been keen to build in "Chinese characteristics" wherever possible. Chen Qigang, musical director for the Games, has hinted the theme may be played on traditional Chinese instruments. People have drawn the conclusion that the song itself will have a Chinese flavor.

But a truly great Olympic song cannot be confined within national horizons. One of the most popular Olympic themes, Hand in Hand, written for the 1988 Seoul Games, combined national and international features. Its composer Giorgio Moroder has also submitted a song for consideration by the Beijing Organizing Committee.

One persistent rumor is that the Beijing theme might be sung by four singers, one each from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. Hong Kong's Andy Lau and Macao's Huang Weilin might be favorites to share this billing with Li Wen, representing Taiwan, and Liu Huan from the mainland.

We are counting down with just one month to go. Classic Olympic songs such as Hand In Hand, Flame and Barcelona are a hard act to follow. Will the Chinese tune be a winner? Let's hope so.

(China.org.cn July 8, 2008)