Conductor Lorin Maazel addresses a press conference held by the New York Philharmonic at the National Center for Performing Arts in Beijing on Saturday. (Chinadaily Photo/Jiang Dong)

Lorin Maazel received thunderous applause over the weekend from music fans in Beijing, as the New York Philharmonic under the baton of the 77-year-old conductor played a mixed program featuring the works of Rossini, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, and Brahms.

And at the climax of the two concerts, Maazel rewarded his adoring fans with several encores, including Bizet's L'arlesienne.

"It is the fourth time Maazel has visited Beijing and every time he brings with him something new, fresh and exciting," said Chen Zuohuang, music director of the newly-opened National Center for the Performing Arts. Maazel hailed the concert hall "impressive design and architecture" and "very friendly acoustics".