The 13th Beijing Music Festival beings

Beijing will be wreathed in the solemn and sophisticated sounds of music during the next three weeks.

Starting from Monday evening, there will be 22 concerts of different genres, including opera, symphony orchestra, chamber music, choir and jazz.

Together, they round out the city's annual celebration of classic music -- the Beijing Music Festival.

The 13th Beijing Music Festival begins with a performance by pianist Lang Lang, conductor Yu Long and his China Philharmonic Orchestra at the Poly Theatre on October 11 night.

Remembering the Polish pianist and composer Chopin is the main theme for this year's festival.

China's piano prodigy Lang Lang was recently named an official "Chopin Ambassador" by the Polish embassy in Beijing. He was given a one-of-a-kind certificate of honor commemorating the occasion. The Polish parliament named 2010 the "Year of Chopin" honoring the composer's 200th birthday.

During the next three weeks, master classes as well as charity concerts for children and university students will be staged at various theatres, music halls and university campuses throughout the city.