Famous conductor Paavo Jarvi and Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich will perform in Wuxi during the 20th China Shanghai International Arts Festival. [Photo/artsbird.com]

Wuxi is set to host a series of high-profile arts events over the next month as part of the 20th China Shanghai International Arts Festival.

Wuxi has been hosting cultural events parallel to the festival since 2012. This year, events will be taking place across the city from Oct 15 to Nov 18.

The season will start with a concert by the world famous National Philharmonic Orchestra in Wuxi Grand Theater on Oct 15, and close with a performance of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba at the same venue.

Works of the master of Chinese painting Wu Guanzhong, a native of Yixing, will be exhibited during the 20th China Shanghai International Arts Festival. [Photo/sh.eastday.com]

Similar to past years, this year's events will include stage shows, cultural exhibitions and opera performances, making it a platform for domestic and foreign cultural exchanges.

The biggest draw is set to be the dozen productions by well-known artists and art groups from home and abroad, which will include performances by celebrated conductor Paavo Jarvi and Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, and concerts by Croatian pianist Maksim Mrvica.

Local art troupes will stage nine quality stage productions as a special part of this year's session.

A total of 117 events will be held in Wuxi during the festival. In keeping with the theme of "A Festival of Arts, a Gala for All", the government will be providing cheap tickets for local residents to allow as many people as possible to experience this grand cultural event.