The London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), one of the world's leading orchestras, was in Shanghai as part of its tour of China. The visit, sponsored by Rolls-Royce plc, a world-leading provider of power systems and services, featured performances in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou under the direction of the LSO's Principal Guest Conductor Daniel Harding.

In Shanghai, performance dates were on April 22 and 23 at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center - Oriental Concert Hall. The concerts include Mahler's Symphony No 5, Chopin's First Piano Concerto, Beethoven's Violin Concerto and Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique. The April 22 performance featured violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann, while internationally acclaimed Lang Lang joined the London Symphony Orchestra as piano soloist on April 23.

This was the LSO's first visit to Shanghai but the second visit to China following a successful performance in Beijing in 2004 in celebration of the Orchestra's centenary, which was also sponsored by Rolls-Royce.

In addition, Rolls-Royce and the LSO have collaborated to develop a community outreach programme around the tour that included the following components:

• One hundred complimentary tickets were distributed in total to local charitable organisations and academic institutions. In Shanghai, these included charitable organisations Smiling Library and Loving Heart Association, as well as local British schools in Shanghai.
• Six members of the London Symphony Orchestra also visited the Pudong campus of Dulwich College Shanghai on April 23 to take part in a music workshop with the school's music students and assist faculty with a rehearsal session.

Commenting on the LSO's visit, Sir John Rose, CEO of Rolls-Royce, said, "Rolls-Royce is proud to bring the LSO to Shanghai, a major centre for Rolls-Royce's technologies, products and people in China. We are also happy to continue to support the arts and community programmes here."

Kathryn McDowell, Managing Director of the LSO, added, "We are excited to make this inaugural visit to Shanghai. The LSO is inspired by the energy of this city's vibrant culture and history, and we look forward to contributing the growing art and music scene here."

Madam Ling Hongmin, General Manager of the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, said, "Having the LSO perform at the Oriental Concert Hall is a great privilege, and we are sure that the Shanghai audience will be delighted by the performances by such a world renowned orchestra."