The 2017 Harbin International Chamber Music Festival opened on June 10 at Harbin Concert Hall.

Six global chamber music performance groups have been invited to the northeastern Chinese city to give performances from June 10 to June 19.

Meanwhile, three well-known chamber music artists will give lectures on the history and features of chamber music. Those who are interested in chamber music can register on the official WeChat account of Harbin Concert Hall.

A group of musicians perform on June 10 at Harbin Concert Hall. [Photo/my399.com]

Harbin has been an international hub for culture and trade since the building of the Middle East Railway.

Over the past few decades, Harbin has been home to many famous foreign residents. A famous musical troupe –– Harbin Symphony Orchestra (formerly known as Middle East Railway Club Symphony Orchestra) –– was established in the city a century ago. Most of the members of HSO are Russians that moved to Harbin early in the 20th century.

"When I was young, I knew Russian songs such as Katyusha and Moscow Surburbs Night,” said Zhang Jianqing, a 65-year-old Harbin resident.

Harbin, which is known for its music, was awarded “musical capital” by the United Nations in 2010.