The Beijing Music Festival will return from 9 to 20 October 2026, welcoming nearly 700 artists from 32 countries for a programme of opera, orchestral performances, chamber music and contemporary collaborations.
The is preparing to celebrate its 29th edition, bringing an extensive programme of international performances to China’s capital. Running from 9 to 20 October, the festival will feature nine orchestras and ensembles, with 12 main-stage performances alongside more than 20 public events designed to connect music with the wider cultural life of Beijing.
Under the theme “Beijing in Concert”, this year’s festival aims to bring together musical traditions, international artistry and contemporary creativity. The programme spans classical compositions, opera, chamber music and cross-genre performances, creating opportunities for audiences to experience both established works and new artistic interpretations.
An International Line-up of Acclaimed Musicians
The festival will welcome an impressive selection of international conductors, soloists and orchestras. Among the featured artists are conductor Charles Dutoit, pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja, conductor Edward Gardner and violinist Ning Feng.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra will make a special appearance, performing under the direction of its principal conductor Edward Gardner. Other participating ensembles include the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, China Philharmonic Orchestra and Beijing Symphony Orchestra, reflecting the festival’s international reach and strong representation of Chinese musical talent.
The opening concert will take place on 9 October at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. Conducted by Charles Dutoit, the performance will feature pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja and the BMF Festival Orchestra, an ensemble bringing together musicians from leading Chinese orchestras. The programme will include Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 22 and Ottorino Respighi’s Roman Trilogy, marking the 270th anniversary of Mozart’s birth and the 90th anniversary of Respighi’s death.
Opera and Classical Music Take Centre Stage
Opera will be a central part of this year’s programme, with two major productions bringing different periods of musical history to the stage.
A newly produced version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute will be performed on 10 and 11 October at the China National Opera House. The production is a collaboration between Opera Hong Kong, State Opera South Australia, the Beijing Music Festival and the China National Opera House.
Audiences will also have the opportunity to experience Handel’s Giulio Cesare in a semi-staged performance at the Poly Theatre on 18 October. Together, these productions highlight the festival’s commitment to presenting celebrated operatic works while exploring different approaches to performance and staging.
The wider classical programme will feature symphonic and chamber performances by leading international and Chinese musicians, offering a diverse selection of repertoire throughout the 12-day event.
Exploring Music Beyond Classical Traditions
While classical music remains at the heart of the festival, the 2026 edition will also embrace musical styles that cross traditional boundaries.
On 14 October, Grammy-nominated sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar will perform a special concert at the Poly Theatre, bringing Indian musical traditions into the festival’s international programme.
The closing concert on 20 October, titled “Classical Rock”, will bring orchestral and rock music together on the same stage. The performance will feature conductor Yang Yang, the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, pianist Ju Xiaofu and Chinese rock pioneer Cui Jian, offering a contemporary conclusion to the festival.
These performances demonstrate the event’s interest in musical exchange and in creating connections between different genres, cultures and generations.
Bringing Music Into the City
Beyond the main concert venues, the Beijing Music Festival will extend its activities into public spaces and cultural destinations across the city. Partnerships with locations including Chaoyang Park, Taikoo Li Sanlitun and The Box will support themed markets, pop-up performances and other community events.
The festival’s “Travel with Music” initiative will also connect musical experiences with tourism, culture and local businesses, encouraging visitors to explore Beijing through its artistic offerings.
Public programming will include open opera rehearsals, backstage experiences for families, music appreciation sessions, masterclasses and performances by youth orchestras. Selected concerts will also be livestreamed, helping the festival reach audiences beyond those attending in person.
Student discounts and combined ticket offers with cultural institutions are among the initiatives intended to make performances more accessible to a wider audience.
Celebrating Music and Cultural Exchange
Since its establishment in 1998, the Beijing Music Festival has developed into an international platform for musicians, orchestras and audiences to engage with a wide range of musical traditions. Its 29th edition continues this approach by combining established classical repertoire with contemporary collaborations and community-focused activities.
With nearly 700 artists representing 32 countries, the 2026 festival offers a broad programme that highlights both China’s musical landscape and its connections with the international arts community.
As Beijing prepares to welcome performers and audiences this October, the festival will once again place music at the centre of cultural exchange, bringing together celebrated works, new interpretations and diverse artistic voices across the city.
