Stars ready to shine at Shanghai arts festival

The 16th Shanghai International Arts Festival will run from October 17 to November 16, its organizers said yesterday.

As well as about 45 stage performances, this year's event will feature art exhibitions, forums and performing arts fairs.

Among the top attractions will be Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu and Latvian cellist Mischa Maisky, the organizers said.

About a third of the programs will be new works, including "The River Flows to the East" a Chinese opera created by Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Zhou Xiaoyan Opera Center.

More information is available from www.artsbird.com.