The Ponzi Scheme, a play written and directed by French director and musician David Lescot in 2012, is among the highlights this year. It'll tour 10 Chinese cities. It has been adapted into a musical in Chinese, with actress Jiang Wenli playing the male protagonist, Charles Ponzi, and singer Jiang Yingrong playing the heroine, Rose Ponzi.

This year's festival puts a special focus on female artists, musicians and performers.

As 2019 marks the 150th anniversary of French composer Hector Berlioz's death, conductor Claire Levacher will lead the Beijing Symphony Orchestra in a tribute to the classical musician through a China tour.

The Eternal Thread, an exhibition of 50 major works by French-American artist Louise Bourgeois, will be held alongside screenings of a film that documents her life and work.

Lacombe says the proportion of female artists at the festival this year was planned to enable women to showcase their talents and be acknowledged for their influence in the art world.

chengyuezhu@chinadaily.com.cn