The 2003 Shanghai Spring International Music Festival has been postponed due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in China, sources with the organizing committee said.
No new date has been set yet for the music festival, which was scheduled for May 20 to 31, the committee said.
The Shanghai municipal government has urged to take firm measures to contain the spread of SARS disease to secure the health and life of local residents.
According to the original plan for the festival, bands from Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy and Australia were due to give performances at the festival, and judges from countries including Russia, Australia and Japan would select and give awards for the best music on the radio both at home and abroad.
In addition, several bands would make their debut at the festival and a forum on music and a public performance would also be held.
Begun in 2001, the Shanghai Spring International Festival is a merging of the Shanghai Spring Music & Dance Month and the Shanghai International Broadcasting Music Festival, which were held since the 1960s and 1980s, respectively.
(Xinhua News Agency May 7, 2003)
