The musicians and singers, known as ARTUMUSICA, are combined in an orchestra and chorus consisting of 150 professionals. It was founded in 1989 with the aim providing local Swiss audiences with quality opera and cantata performances.

In 1992, after the conductor Jean-Marc Aeschimann took the baton, the chorus' repertoire has focused mainly on Mozart's masterpieces as Aeschimann has a profound love for Mozart's works.

The orchestra and chorus are well known throughout Europe and around the world. It has toured France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Japan, South Korea and Syria.

According to the China Culture and Art Corp and the Majestic Theatre - the major sponsors - the orchestra and chorus are making their first visit to China and are attaching great significance to the tour. "They have chosen the best line-up for the Chinese trip," the sponsors said

The performances will feature soloists Soumaya Hallak, soprano, mezzo-soprano Katia Baltera Cravetti, tenor Laurent Schutzle and bass-baritone Giampiero.

A performance highlight will be Mozart's Great Mass in C Minor.

7:15pm, April 18

Shanghai Majestic Theatre

66 Jiangning Lu

Tel: 6217-2797, 6217-4409 ext 8066 (free tickets delivery)

80-220 yuan, vip 280 yuan

(Shanghai Star April 15, 2003)