The festival will open on April 4 with a performance by Wiener Symphoniker, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Marking the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II's birth, the concert — conducted by Petr Popelka — will present a selection of the composer's most beloved waltzes, polkas and operettas, including Eine Nacht in Venedig, Wo die Zitronen bluh'n and Blumenfest-Polka, Op 111. The orchestra promises not only an authentic interpretation of Strauss' works but also a deep reflection of Vienna's enduring cultural connection to the composer.

In honor of the 120th anniversary of Chinese cinema, this year's festival will stage a special section, featuring a concert series, Tribute to 120 Years of Chinese Cinema. Hosted at the Beijing Performing Arts Centre, the series will include seven indoor and outdoor concerts, offering audiences a nostalgic journey through iconic Chinese film scores. This musical tribute will celebrate the legacy of Chinese cinema and its profound connection to classical music.