In his upcoming tour of China, violin virtuoso Salvatore Accardo, 72, will for the first time, play one of the most famous violin concertos of China, The Butterfly Lovers.

To provide a refreshing rendition of the work, the violinist didn't listen to any recording of it.

"An 'absolute ear' for music can only come from nature and can never be developed only by exercise," he says.

Since his first professional recital in 1954 at 13, the Italian violinist and conductor has been given Italian's highest honor, the Cavaliere di Gran Croce, in 1982. He regards himself as a musician instead of just a violinist or a conductor.

"When I am conducting, the orchestra turns into my instrument," he says. As the "honorable professor" named by the Central Conservatory of Music in 1996, he will play with pianist Laura Manzini during the tour, performing Paganini's The Carnival of Venice, Carmen Fantasy on Bizet themes, and Mozart and F. Schubert pieces.

7:30 pm, Sept 23. Beijing Concert Hall, 1 Beixinhuajie, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-5165-2103.

- Chen Nan