As China's October 1st National Day celebration draws closer, singers, actors, performers, and staff members have conducted a practice for a gala, in Beijing dedicated to the festivities. Wang Guan takes us behind the practice scenes.

On Saturday, a major rehearsal for the grand chorus of China's National Day gala took place. The event featured many the country's top singers.

Singer Tan jing said, "The song we practiced is "Today Is Your Birthday, My Motherland." I performed with singer Liao Changyong and pianist Lang Lang."

Alongside the singers is a super-sized chorus of more than 1,000 people from 14 artistic troupes. All are amateurs and range in age from 6 to 75 years old.

Amateur chorus singer Song Dai said, "We have trained for more than two months. Everyone is doing well. We are looking forward to that night so we can sing the best wishes for our country."

During the 3-hour rehearsal, the show's directors carefully checked and corrected the moves of the actors.

"Everything is now in place. We are in good form, and hope to deliver a brilliant show."

Chief director Jia Ding said, This little girl will draw a flying pigeon while Lang Lang performs on the piano. This boy will play the trumpet under the national flag, marking the gala's prelude.

(CCTV September 28, 2009)