The concert will continue into the second night featuring a collection of works by Beethoven, one of the greatest composers in history, to commemorate his 250th birth anniversary.

Xu Zhong, famed conductor and pianist who also serves as president of the Shanghai Opera House Symphony Orchestra, said as a son of a doctor, he understood the sacrifices the essential workers have contributed to the fight against the novel coronavirus.

Since February, Xu has been joining hands with musicians from all over the world to record concerts to encourage people in the fight against the novel coronavirus. He and the Shanghai Opera House Symphony Orchestra also participated in a global radio and online concert series in celebration of World Earth Day.

"Music can give people courage and strength in the face of difficulties," Xu said.

The event, sponsored by Shanghai's classical music radio channel FM94.7, Guangming Dairy and Mannz Environmental Technology GmbH, is part of the ongoing Quality Life Week launched by the Shanghai municipality under the theme "Beauty of Classics".

The concerts are also accessible through Shanghai classical music radio channel FM94.7, video sharing platforms such as bilibili.com.