It might have been one of China's best-kept secrets, but now it's about to be shared with the world.

WFMT Radio in Chicago and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra announced they would produce and distribute a 13-part radio program showcasing the world-class orchestra's performances from the current and past seasons.

It marks the first time a Chinese orchestra will be heard in a multi-part radio series in the West.

WFMT will make the shows available to radio stations in the US, Europe, Asia and other parts of the world.

"I'm so delighted that the WFMT Radio Network will be able to bring performances by this great Chinese orchestra to audiences in the United States and around the world," said Steve Robinson, general manager of WFMT.

Robinson said that the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) was one of Asia's premiere destinations for some of the world's most distinguished soloists, conductors and composers, including Lang Lang, Leon Fleischer, Yo-Yo Ma, Sir Andrew Davis, Zubin Mehta, Sir Neville Marriner and Steve Reich.

"I have experienced so many unforgettable performances I wished I could share with the world," said Long Yu, conductor of the SSO. "Now, through these broadcasts, we are delighted that so many of China's great performances and the musicians of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra will be available to audiences in the United States and around the globe."

"Our collaboration with WFMT is what's making this possible," added Ping Zhou, president of SSO. "We look forward to working with them to present a series of wonderful programs to Western listeners."

In addition to the SSO concerts, the series will feature performances by musicians from the Shanghai Orchestra Academy, an affiliate institution that trains post-graduate musicians.

It will also feature the inaugural Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition established by SSO that will take place in Shanghai from Aug 16 to Sept 2. More than 30 violinists from around the world will compete for the top prize.

The SSO series will be produced by Noel Morris, an independent radio producer who was the founding producer of the network's flagship program Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin. Morris will be traveling to Shanghai this summer to record interviews and other features for the shows.

Jennifer Hou Kwong, WFMT's China project consultant, has been a key player in establishing relationships with all of the collaborators in China.

"Cultural exchange programs can enhance the understanding and friendship between people in China and the West," said Kwong. "I'm delighted to help make it all happen."