(June 23, 2005, Beijing) An open-air concert held this evening at the China Millennium Monument in western Beijing preludes the Third Beijing 2008 Olympic Cultural Festival.

   Deputy Mayor of Beijing and BOCOG Executive Vice-President, Liu Jinmin, and BOCOG Executive Vice-President, Jiang Xiaoyu, joined the celebration.

   The concert, featuring mainland's top pop singers and bands, also kicked off the "Olympic Rhythm Concert Series," an important component of the cultural festival. The concert runs daily from June 23 through July 16, when the festival ends.

   At least 100 pop singers and a score of live bands will entertain the audience with songs and music pieces of different genres and styles, including solos, choruses, instruments as well as highlights from traditional Chinese operas.

   Mass participation is the feature of the "Olympic Rhythm Concert Series." Audience can participate in the performances in an interactive way. They can also take on-the-spot quiz on Olympic knowledge. Organizers expect that at least 50,000 Beijing residents will have a chance to be present at the event free of charge.

   The concert series are co-sponsored by Beijing Gehua Cultural Development Group and China Mobile, the official partner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.