Pope Benedict XVI listened to Mozart's Requiem and Chinese folk song Jasmine, performed by the China Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) along with the Shanghai Opera House Chorus, last night in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican.

The Chinese Philharmonic Orchestra's Long Yu directs his musicians during a concert for Pope Benedict XVI in Paul VI hall at the Vatican May 7, 2008.

Under the baton of CPO artistic director Yu Long and featuring Chinese soprano Rao Lan, mezzo-soprano Cao Zheng, tenor Zhang Jianyi and baritone Gong Dongjian, it was the first time for Chinese artists to perform in the city.

"We are excited and honored to perform for the Pope and the 7,000 in the audience, including the Vatican's bishops, officials, and celebrities from China and Italy," Yu said.

The Chinese Philharmonic Orchestra performs for Pope Benedict XVI in Paul VI hall at the Vatican May 7, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI greets soprano singer Lan Rao at the end of a concert by the Chinese Philharmonic Orchestra in Paul VI hall at the Vatican May 7, 2008.