Shanghai is holding the 18th edition of its annual international arts festival. Music was the order of the day for the opening performance.

Artists perform during a rehearsal of a Chinese folk music show for the 18th Shanghai International Arts Festival in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 11, 2016. The festival kicked off on Oct. 12. (Xinhua/Ren Long)

For the first time in 18 years, a traditional Chinese music concert will open the Shanghai International Arts Festival. They are telling an authentic Chinese story, in Chinese musical language.

The 1.5-hour-long performance includes four parts. The first three chapters are named Feng, Ya, and Song, referring to traditional Chinese music tunes, royal sounds, and an ode to the ancestors. It is a tribute to China’s earliest poetry collection, the Book of Songs. The last chapter talks of “peace and harmony.” These are the fruits of relentless efforts, made over many years.

“Many of the artists have made changes four or fives times. The major difference between Chinese and Western music is in artistic conception. So this performance is a new attempt to explore its potential,” said Dong Xiaoyan, Director of Shanghai Chinese Orchestra.

Fifty more shows will be presented during the one-month festival, half of them specially-produced for the event. Eighty-eight open-air performances and eight exhibitions will also be among the presentations, filling the city with an artistic air.