Foreign choral groups such as the Polish "Wiwart" Choir and Romanian Preludiu Chamber Choir, as well as other 15 groups from China's Beijing, Taipei and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region performed at the opening ceremony.

The week-long festival, includes 17 choirs from a range of countries and regions including the United States, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, as well as 45 domestic choral groups.

Eight contests will be held during the festival with prizes awarded for the best choral group, conductor and accompaniment.

Foreign troupes participating in the competitions have been invited to perform both their national song and a Chinese song.

A total of 12 performances will also be arranged during the festival. Well-known Chinese conductor Yang Hongnian and vocalist Wu Qihui will give public classes.

(Xinhua News Agency July 28, 2002)