Distinguished conductor Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra are going to ring in the New Year for 2013 by presenting a New Year concert in Guangzhou on Dec 29. He's also coming to Beijing on Dec 31. The Indian Parsi conductor is known for his flamboyant, vigorous and forceful style. He also worked with Chinese film director Zhang Yimou to stage a production of the opera Turandot by Puccini in the Forbidden City, Beijing. The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1936 and gained renown as "the orchestra of soloists". Mehta was appointed the orchestra's musical director for life in 1981 and has conducted thousands of performances with it.

8 pm, Dec 29. Opera Hall, Guangzhou Opera House, Exit B1 of Zhujiang New Town subway station, Guangzhou. 020-3839-2888.

7:30 pm, Dec 31. The Great Hall of the People, West of Tian'anmen Square, Beijing. 400-610-3721.

- Xu Jingxi