Returning for its 27th edition, this year's event is a celebration of sound and the city, Chen Nan reports.

October is the month for classical music fans in the capital, as the annual Beijing Music Festival provides a stellar lineup of musical acts from around the world and a rich array of cultural activities.

On Friday, the 27th edition of the festival was announced. Running from Oct 5 to 13, this year's event is more than a celebration of global musical traditions, it's also an invitation to explore the rich cultural tapestry of Beijing itself, says Zou Shuang, artistic director of the Beijing Music Festival.

Under the theme "Harmony in Beijing, Global Sounds", 10 concerts will be held at different locations around the city in a fusion of music and exploration that will allow both performers and the audience to delve deeply into the cultural heart of the city.

The festival opens with a concert by the China National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of composer-conductor Tan Dun on Oct 5 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.