Art beat (May 17-June 1)

Guangzhou

Three nights of Chopin

Four pianists from China, Russia, France and Spain will perform at the 2nd Esprit du Pianol Festival, a French piano recital series which settled down in Guangzhou last year. They will

present their interpretations of Chopin at solo concerts from May 17 to 19 to help the audience discover different genres of the musical giant's works. The foreign pianists will also bring signature music of their own countries, such as French impressionist music composed by Debussy and played by veteran

pianist Bruno Rigutto. His solo concert is scheduled on Saturday.

8 pm, May 17-19 and also 3 pm on May 18. Chamber Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qingbo Lu, Ersha Island, Yuexiu district, Guangzhou. 020-8735-2222.

Cellist with a big soul

Latvian cellist Mischa Maisky, who has been touring around the world since 1975, comes to Guangzhou to showcase his romantic version of music by Saint-Saens and Rachmaninoff. With a wild Einstein-style hairdo, Maisky has a performing style that is no less strong. While some have criticized his vigorous style approach, Maisky's teacher, master cellist Rostropovich (1927-2007) has lauded his playing as a combination of "poetry, exquisite delicacy with great temperament and brilliant technique".

8 pm, May 24. Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qingbo Lu, Ersha Island, Yuexiu district, Guangzhou. 020-8735-2222.

Native sounds of Taiwan

Hu Te-fu, better known as Kimbo, who is respected as the "father of folk song" in Taiwan, will sing his own style of blues in his deep, rich voice at Xinghai Concert Hall on May 24. Hu has been devoted to promoting Taiwan's aboriginal music since the 1970s, but he didn't release an album until 2005. Often compared to pastoral landscape paintings, his music has influenced top Taiwan musicians including Lo Ta-you.

8 pm, May 24. Symphony Hall, Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qingbo Lu, Ersha Island, Yuexiu district, Guangzhou. 020-8735-2222.

- Zhang Kun