Ladies First, the sole female symphony orchestra in the world, will launch its first concert in China next week, a New Year's gift for the Chinese audience, sponsor of the performance said.

The Ladies First Symphony Orchestra from Germany will debut the New Year's concert on Monday in the capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, according to the Kunming branch of the China Minsheng Banking Corporation.

During the concert, the musicians will play various musical instruments, sing, dance and declaim in the fascinating stage sceneries and lighting, which is expected to entertain the audience.

The band kicked off its China tour in the northeastern Jilin Province. They will also visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and some other cities. The ladies will give a concert in Shanghai on New Year's Eve, celebrating the coming of 2006.

The 60-member orchestra consists of women only and has made domestic and international concert tours since 2001. The ladies accompanied the famous rock band YES in their European tour in the year.

A Chinese man surnamed Ding, who once watched their performance, said "the audiences were enthralled not only by the orchestra's superb performances but also by the beauty and charm of the performers."

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2005)