The capital of Guangdong province in South China, is accenting its hospitality with a sports event and a music festival. Ahead of the 16th Asian Games, the 2010 Asian Music Festival opened on Friday night in Guangzhou.

The Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and Japanese violinist Midori Goto presented the opening concert at the Xinghai Concert Hall.

In the next two weeks, music-lovers from Guangzhou and other parts of China can feast on a dozen top-notch performances.

Among the most anticipated are those presented by cellist Yoyo Ma, the Taiwan Percussion Group, pianist Lang Lang and other celebrated musicians and orchestras of Asia. The Taiwan Philharmonic and South Korea's Seoul Philharmonic will make their Guangzhou debut.

Lin Daye, Conducor of Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra said "Sports and music are two best ways to communicate with friends from other countries and regions. The time of this year's music festival, which coincides with the Asian Games, couldn't be better. You can expect to hear the best musicians of Asia. "

Music lovers have responding positively to the star-studded event. Tickets have been selling briskly since mid September.