BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) will kick off its annual "Piano Virtuosos" series on Tuesday, with 15 world-famous pianists presenting music pieces of different genres.

Fifteen piano masters including Chinese pianists Yin Chengzong, Lang Lang, French classical pianist Philippe Entremont and Austrian pianist Rudolf Buchbinder will stage 16 concerts throughout the year.

As the year 2020 marks the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth, the NCPA Piano Virtuosos will feature nine concerts centered the compositions of Beethoven to join the global commemoration of the great composer.

Initiated in 2011, the NCPA Piano Virtuosos has invited over 90 world-class pianists to give performances that combine classic works and modern elements.