The long-awaited Russian Culture Festival will finally kick off late this month in Beijing.

The event, cancelled in May due to the SARS crisis, will include a major painting exhibition in the capital's National History Museum.

The musical side of the festival turns the spotlight on both classic and folk styles, as well as modern and ethnic genres.

Among a wide array of dance troupes there is the Ballet Moiseyev, a group centered on Russian folk dances. It will present both traditional and newly-created pieces in its Beijing performances.

In addition to classics, the festival also features pop and jazz concerts.

(cri.com.cn October 17, 2003)