Princess Mahidol, who plays Chinese zither at the concerts, has hosted similar concerts in Bangkok, Ban Chiang Mai and Phuket of Thailand to celebrate the birthday of Thailand's Queen Sirikit.

At the concerts she gave her first public performance of Chinese zither playing, joining with 50 Chinese artists led by the Chinese Vice-minister of Culture Zhou Heping.

The concerts being held in China include music from the three above mentioned regions of Thailand, and the princess will once again join Chinese artists to perform well-known masterpieces in zither. Chinese and Thai artists will also perform a chorus with lyrics written by the princess.

Princess Mahidol is the youngest daughter of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Being a well-known scientist in chemistry, she is passionate about music. During her visit to China in 2000, she discovered the beautiful sound of Chinese zither and began to learn to play the instrument.

The Beijing concert will be held on Aug. 18.

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2002)