The organizers of the 23rd Shanghai International Arts Festival have recently disclosed a tantalizing array of art programs scheduled to captivate audiences from Oct 18 to Nov 17. With a press briefing held on Aug 26, the festival promises a spectacular showcase of creativity and talent, featuring approximately 250 events and over 700 performances that promise to enthrall art enthusiasts from around the globe.

At the heart of this year's festival are 168 main stage performances that will spotlight top-tier global artists and ensembles, featuring a lineup of nearly 5,000 artists hailing from 36 countries and regions. More than 90 percent of the projects will make their debut in the city. Additionally, about 85 percent of the 20 major exhibitions and fairs planned are premiering for the first time.

Overseas artists and ensembles will take center stage, accounting for 60 percent of the performances. With approximately 200,000 tickets up for grabs for mainstage shows, the festival is poised to draw international audiences, constituting 10 percent of the total attendees. Exclusive performances by renowned acts such as the London Symphony Orchestra, Bolshoi Ballet and Sarah Chang are expected to be major highlights, showcasing the best of global talent to Shanghai's discerning audience.

Building on the success of previous editions, the festival will welcome esteemed orchestras like the Weiner Philharmoniker, London Symphony Orchestra, and Münchner Philharmoniker, alongside rising stars such as Alexandre Kantorow and Rafael Blechacz, who are set to make their Chinese debut. The festival's thematic programs commemorating key milestones in the arts, including William Shakespeare's 460th birthday, Giacomo Puccini's 100th anniversary and Anton Bruckner's 200th birthday, promise to offer a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

In a nod to Chinese heritage and tradition, the festival will also feature performances celebrating China's rich cultural tapestry, history and societal narratives. Noteworthy productions include Chasing Dreams by The Art Ensemble of the All-China Federation of Trade Union, The Thunder by Beijing Dance Drama and Opera and Book of Life by Shaanxi People's Art Theater.

This year's festival is also set to nurture emerging talent in the arts. Young artists from over nine countries and regions will have the opportunity to showcase their visual art projects and stage performances, with nine stage performances and two visual art projects selected for inclusion.

Gu Yingjie contributed to this story.