One of China's longest-running and most popular outdoor classical music events, the Chenshan Grassland Radio Music Festival, will return on May 23 and 24.

Known as the Chinese outdoor classical music festival series with the highest number of plays on the European Broadcasting Union platform, this year's festival will feature two world-class orchestras with distinctive national characteristics, each joined by a renowned Chinese soloist for two nights of open-air performances.

On May 23, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Sergey Smbatyan, will perform alongside Chinese piano master Kong Xiangdong. Their program will weave together the classical traditions of Armenia, France, Norway, Russia, and beyond, celebrating the richness and diversity of global musical culture.

The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra holds a distinguished place in the international classical music scene. It has long fostered cultural exchanges between Armenia and China, including a performance commemorating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

On May 24, Danish conductor Thomas Sondergard, a leading figure on the international stage, will lead the Royal Scottish National Orchestra alongside Chinese violin virtuoso Lyu Siqing. The program will bridge genres, juxtaposing British classics with the beloved Chinese violin concerto The Butterfly Lovers, creating a vivid dialogue between East and West.

Founded in 1891, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra is among the United Kingdom's oldest orchestras. This year, it will present a special Scottish element: the Great Highland Bagpipe. More than an instrument, the bagpipe embodies Highland culture and serves as a vessel for Scotland's centuries-old history and national memory, adding a unique layer of tradition to the orchestra's performance.

The festival experience has been elevated this year. Chenshan Botanical Garden will be transformed into a musical healing garden in collaboration with experts from the AI music therapy lab at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. On-site activities will include interactive sessions led by music therapy practitioners, Chinese and Western instrumental performances, and light-hearted talk shows.

If you go

When: May 23 and 24

Where: Chenshan Botanical Garden, No 3888 Chenhua Road, Songjiang district

Ticket prices: 180 yuan ($26.42) to 980 yuan

How to get there:

• By car: The easiest access is through Gate 2, nearest the festival stage. Gate 1 is also an option, with a free shuttle transporting visitors to the main festival area.
• By public transit: Take Metro Line 9 to Dongjing Station. From there, you can either take the festival's free shuttle bus to Gate 2 of Chenshan Botanical Garden, or take bus Songjiang 95 or Songzhu Line to the same gate.

After the performance ends, free shuttle buses back to Dongjing Station will be available at the pickup point outside Gate 2.

Sources: Shanghai Media Group, Radio Shanghai, Chenshan Grassland Radio Music Festival