One of Beijing's newest landmarks, the Bird's Nest, will soon be put to another use. A concert combining classical, pop and Chinese folk music will be staged at the end of June at the centerpiece of the 2008 Olympic Games.
The concert line-up is a big surprise. Famous Chinese folk singer Song Zuying, Asian pop king Jay Chou, world renowned tenor Placido Domingo and piano prodigy Lang Lang will present a crossover concert on June 30th at the Bird's Nest.
The concert will have some firsts including a debut collaboration between singer Song Zuying and Lang Lang.
Song and Domingo sang a duet at the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. And her performance during the 2009 CCTV Spring Festival Gala with Jay Chou was also a big hit.
The teaming up of the two top Chinese folk and pop music stars promises more amazing collaborative efforts at the summer concert in the National Stadium.
At a press conference in the stadium, Song said she will work hard to prepare for her performance. As always, Song believes that singing is the best way to express her feelings. The veteran sang "Thanks A Lot" for the gathered press.
Also at the press conference, Jay Chou performed a piano piece which he created specially for Song. He called it "River" after his impressions of Song, who has brought Chinese folk songs and culture to the world like a river flows to the ocean.
(CCTV April 21, 2009)