The 4th China Shanghai International Arts Festival started on 1 November, and ended on 1 December 2002 as usual.

The 4th China Shanghai International Arts Festival started on 1 November, and ended on 1 December 2002 as usual. The 4th festival welcomed and embraced numerous exceptional artists from 23 countries and regions. A showcase of 51 programs including 9 congratulatory ones presented 109 performances, attracting over 250,000 visitors. The tickets sales were quite satisfactory with general rate of sales over 70% and ten of the programs exceeded 100%. 　　

World art masterworks coordinated with virtuosos took the centerstage with power-packed programs such as, Salome by Sydney Dance Company, Bamboo Dream by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre and Concert of Placido Domingo, one of the top-rate tenors in the world. Furthermore, the symphony concert by Australian's leading orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Stuttgart Philharmoniker's concert, opera, La Boheme acting as the festival's opening ceremony, co-presented by Italian artists and Shanghai Opera House and the world renowned classic Ballet, The Fountain of Bakhchisaray performed by National Ballet of China were stunning, breathtaking heartbeat of the festival. 　　

At this edition of the International Performing Arts Fair, agreements on 82 cooperation and co-production programs were sealed. The festival also presented many exhibition, including Shanghai Art EXPO, Chinese Fines Arts and Crafts Exhibition, Shanghai Biennial and Shanghai in the Eye of Overseas Artists Painting Show. 　　

This year, a brand new cultural activity, cultural week, which introduced and presented an invited country's traditional, innovative culture and arts, came to appear during the festival. The cultural week was set to be held annually. So, the Australia Culture Week was held, bringing to the audiences unique and diversified Australia purity in forms of modern ballet, symphonic concerts, dreamy acrobatics and aboriginal arts and handcrafts shows. 　　

(Source:www.artsbird.com)