Some of the world’s leading pianists will perform during the international piano festival which began yesterday in Changning District.

Famed Cuban pianist Jorge Luis Prats and Ewa Osinska from Poland will present piano improvisations and public lectures during the first Changning District International Piano Festival, which runs until August 20. They will be joined by a lineup of musicians from home and abroad.

The performances and public events are admission-free, and will be held along the historic Yuyuan Road which features the former residences of several Chinese musicians, such as pianist Gu Shengying (1937-1967), according to the district government.

An opening concert was held at the Changning Workers’ Cultural Palace yesterday, and featured performances by Prats and Osinska. During the festival, they will join local pianist Liu Jian for a series of performances in the palace, as well as lawns and public spaces along the road.

Osinska will hold a public lecture on music and piano on Sunday. Some audience members will be chosen during the event to receive personal training from the master, who has won a number of awards at the world’s top piano competitions.

Meanwhile, Changning government has announced the establishment of a “music art think-tank” which will bring together some of China’s top musicians to guide the development of the district’s cultural development. So far, 11 musicians has been appointed, including Oscar-winning composer Tan Dun and Wang Yongji, the artistic director of the local traditional music orchestra.