At the press conference, Chen played his favorite 1708 "Ruby" Stradivarius violin. Chen first heard about the "Meet In Beijing Arts Festival" eight years ago when his good friend, pianist Lang Lang, invited him to watch the concert presented by Lang Lang and the Philadelphia Orchestra, at the Great Hall of the People. Chen hopes the annual event of culture and art will attract more Chinese listeners to the joys of classical music.

The 9th "Meet In Beijing Arts Festival" will open at Beijing's National Center for the Performing Arts.

(CCTV April 22, 2009)