Italians play in Beijing, Shanghai

Italian bands La Fame di Camilla (pictured), Subsonica and Negrita light up the stage with multiple genres. Provided to China Daily

The recent live music scene in China is booming, not only because of local indie acts but also a variety of pop and rock groups from the United States and European countries such as the UK, France, and Spain.

From May 31 to June 4, it's Italy's turn to shine with musicians from multiple genres scheduled to play in Beijing and Shanghai, as part of the annual Italian music festival Hitweek.

"Every time I go abroad, people talk about music from Italy and they talk about opera or something about the mandolin, but we have much more to offer," says Francesco Del Maro, who started the festival in 2007.

"The goal of Hitweek is to show the modern Italian culture, especially its music," he says.

This year's lineup in China include electro-rock pioneers Subsonica, who recorded the top selling album in Italy in 2011; classic rock giant Negrita, which was the top selling live act in Italy in 2011; indie phenomenon La Fame di Camilla with southern China folk-rockers Shan Ren or Mountain People; and Chinese indie folk musician Zhou Yunpeng.

"This year's lineup offers a window into Italy's popular music scene, bands which are rarely heard by Chinese fans," Del Maro says. "For the bands, playing in China also means a new challenge."

Hitweek started in 2009 in Los Angeles, before moving to New York in 2010 and to Miami in 2011.

In 2011, the organizers of Hitweek attended an event in Shenzhen, which offered an insight into Chinese music and culture. Recognizing the similarities of goals and spirits, Hitweek China was conceptualized quickly.

To be held in Italy and China in 2012, Hitweek China will help promote the modern culture of both countries.