Musicians to record hundreds of Western classics

Related: Let the music play

The project has commissioned musicians from the China National Opera House and the Central Conservatory of Music to record the first batch of 185 works. The former recorded symphonic music and opera arias, while the latter recorded piano, violin and chamber music.

Established musicians like Yu Feng and Yao Hong participated in the recording. Now 17 CDs and DVDs have been finished, and presented to a number of universities.

The project will continue with recording of the second batch of works next year. According to the Ministry of Culture, the finished recordings will be promoted at colleges and universities around the country.

"Young students are precious resources of the country and the hope of the nation. Constructing a healthy campus culture among China's universities is among the responsibilities of the cultural and educational sectors of the government, as well as arts organizations," says Cai Wu, minister of culture and planner of the project. "This project aims at introducing classical music to young students, who will be the key force in the construction of the society."

"My Concert Hall - Appreciation of Western Classical Music" follows another project of art education for college and university students, "High Art in Campus", which was initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Education in 2005 to fund arts groups to perform in colleges and universities throughout China.

"I hope more musicians will join this project to enhance quality education for university students," Cai says.

muqian@chinadaily.com.cn