The 14th "Meet In Beijing" festival kicked off on April 28 at the National Center for the Performing Arts. Many celebrated Chinese and international artists are slated to delight Beijingers at this annual rendezvous between the East and West.

This year festival features a francophone flair.

A number of French pieces have been selected for the opening concert of this year's "Meet In Beijing" festival. Called "Esprit Francais," the concert is a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France.

Conductor Philippe Entremont led the Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of China National Opera House. The octogenarian has been conducting for 30 years but he is also a virtuoso pianist. Despite his advanced years, Entremont continues to perform. This season he has led chamber music concerts and was invited to be guest conductor by several European and American orchestras. He also toured the United States with soloist, Sebastian Knauer.

For Monday's opening concert, Entremont chose a program that was both aesthetically pleasing to the ear and entertaining.

May 8, 2014 – January 2015, Beijing World Art Museum, Beijing