The curtain has been raised for the annual Beijing Music Festival, one of the capital's musical gems. And this year's event has it all -- whether you are going after the biggest names in classical music, cutting-edge productions, or avant-garde theatrical events. CCTV reporter Liu Wenwen got a front row seat at the opening concert held at the Forbidden City Concert Hall.

Presented by the Orchestra and Chorus of China's National Centre for the Performing Arts and under the baton of the internationally acclaimed maestro Lyu Jia, the opening concert features classical pieces by Brahms and Shostakovich. This is the first collaboration between the Beijing Music Festival and the NCPA.

19th Beijing Music Festival opens

Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and the Beijing Municipal Government, the Beijing Music Festival was launched in 1998. Now it has become one of the country's most significant and creative cultural events.

For almost two decades, the festival brought cutting-edge operatic productions to China. And this year's no exception. The three-week festival has an impressive lineup from opera and symphonies, to vocal recitals and crossover music.

The festival will also see the Chinese premiere of renowned composer Benjamin Britten's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". It also doubles up as a tribute to William Shakespeare as 2016 marks the 400th anniversary of his death. Another highlight is the performance of the complete symphonic works of Tchaikovsky.

And as in previous years, children will get to participate in the festival with specially-tailored concerts, master class, lectures and weekend family activities.

The annual Beijing Music Festival is one of the city's musical highlights. Entitled "Musical Legacy and Innovation", the 19th edition is set to blaze new trails, all while reinterpreting the glorious heritage of classical music. This year's event runs until October 29th.