The curtain rose on a New Year's concert December 31 at the Great Hall of the People, a highlight of the new millennium celebrations.

Chinese Vice-Premier Li Lanqing, together with people from all walks of life in the capital, attended the concert to greet the upcoming new century.

Two major Chinese choral ensembles, two prestigious symphony orchestras, and dozens of domestic artists and overseas Chinese musicians staged a program themed on welcoming the new millennium.

Many famous Western musical numbers and opera pieces were also played, as well as modern Chinese compositions focusing on the country's opening and reform and the people's confidence in a bright 21st century.

The concert was jointly sponsored by the Beijing municipal government, the Ministry of Culture, and the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

This annual event, given prior to the Chinese Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, has been held since 1996.