A dancer performs to noted composer and command Tan Dun as he plays his latest original musical work Farewell My Concubine. [Photo/Xinhua]

The attendance rate for this year's performances was higher than ever. According to local media, the average rate reached 90 percent during the festival. For choice performances such as Kunqu opera Peony Pavilion by great masters, Chinese Version War Horse by National Theatre of China, and Violin Recital by Itzhak Perlman, all tickets were sold out.

Since inaugural year in 1999, Shanghai International Arts Festival has become an important platform for Shanghai's Urban Cultural development and has greatly promoted the creation of the urban public cultural atmosphere.