[Photo provided to China Daily]

Historical figures

National Art Museum of China director Wu Weishan has spent more than 30 years sculpting preeminent figures from Chinese history. His works seek to present the spirit and cultural depth of the nation through the centuries. More than 70 of Wu's sculptures are being shown at the National Center for the Performing Arts' exhibition hall in Beijing. The subjects of Wu's works include ancient philosopher Laozi and eighth-century romantic poet Li Bai. He also portrays modern figures, such as Nobel laureate in Physics C.N. Yang. Wu's sculptures have been exhibited at home and abroad to promote exchanges between East and West. Communication among civilizations is also essential to his work. For example, one displayed piece depicts Leonardo da Vinci and Qi Baishi standing on one side of a wooden boat, conducting a dialogue transcending time and space.

9 am-5 pm, closed on Mondays. Through Nov 8. Online reservation needed. National Center for the Performing Arts, No 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing.010-6655-0000.

Beethoven's 250th

Conductor Li Biao will take the baton and perform a concert with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra. The program will feature pieces by German composer Ludwig van Beethoven, including Symphony No 2 in D major, and Symphony No 5 in C minor. The concert pays tribute to the composer to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his birth. Numerous Beethoven-themed concerts will form part of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra's 2020-21 season.

7:30 pm, Oct 18. National Center for the Performing Arts, No 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6655-0000.