The 8th Beijing choral festival on Friday held its opening ceremony at Beijing University Students Gymnasium, where nearly 5,000 choral lovers from 100 choirs performed.

The ceremony featured multiple classic choral pieces from China, while some original pieces on the latest development of Beijing were also heard.

Co-hosted by organizations including the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the musicians' association of Beijing, the festival will stage various events from May to August.

The events include performances by top choirs from across the country, invitational a cappella concerts, training sessions for choral conductors, forums on choral music and others.