With more than 40 musicians, his orchestra will perform in Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing and Beijing from September 25 to October 2. A total of 50,000 Chinese fans are expected to attend the concerts.

Joachim Broudre-Groeger, German ambassador to China, said Saturday that music was a bridge which could carry mankind's sentiments. Last's musical language was swinging, optimistic and full of melody.

James Last said Marco Polo once visited China during the 13th century and he was very impressed by the country. Nowadays, an increasing number of Europeans also dreamed of coming to China, believing that it was one of the most important countries of today's world with a fantastic history and unique culture.

Last's musical career began in 1939 with his first piano lesson. From 1969 to 1971, German music polls named his band "most popular orchestra" for three consecutive years.

James Last has received innumerable international musical awards. In 2002 alone he sold more than 80 million CDs.

(Xinhua News Agency September 21, 2002)