China Philharmonic Orchestra artistic director Yu Long (L) greets Pope Benedict XVI in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.

(Photo: chinadaily.com.cn)

Pope Benedict XVI listened to Mozart's Requiem and Chinese folk song Jasmine, performed by the China Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO) along with the Shanghai Opera House Chorus, Wednesday night in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican.

Under the baton of CPO artistic director Yu Long and featuring Chinese soprano Rao Lan, mezzo-soprano Cao Zheng, tenor Zhang Jianyi and baritone Gong Dongjian, it was the first time for Chinese artists to perform in the city.

"We are excited and honored to perform for the Pope and the 7,000 in the audience, including the Vatican's bishops, officials, and celebrities from China and Italy," Yu said.

(China Daily May 8,2008)