Participants discuss the current situation and existing problems facing China's symphonic music and symphony orchestras at the 2008 China Symphony Summit on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. [Photo: cnr.cn]

Chinese famous conductor Bian Zushan listens to a speech from other participants in 2008 China Symphony Summit, which kicked off in Qingdao, a costal city in east China's Shangdong Province on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. [Photo: cnr.cn]

The 2008 China Symphony Summit kicked off in Qingdao, a costal city in east China's Shangdong Province on Wednesday, reported on the website of China National Radio.

The summit, jointly organized by China Symphony Development Foundation and the city's Cultural Bureau, attracted a large number of symphonic elites from around the country, including composers, conductors, musical educators and principal conductors of symphony orchestras.

Based on detailed studies on the development of the country's symphony orchestras, the summit has approved a first-ever white paper on China's symphonic music, laying a strong foundation for the future of the country's symphonic development.

During the forum, participants discussed the current situation and existing problems that China's symphony and symphony orchestras are facing to bring the industry a promising future.

(CRI March 27,2008)