[Shanghai, May 27, 2008] Mercedes-Benz announced the company is sponsoring Anne-Sophie Mutter and the Trondheim Soloists 2008 Asia Tour, blending the brand's harmonious lines with the violinist's melodious sounds. Anne-Sophie Mutter, the world's present-time top violinist and the renowned Norway chamber orchestra Trondheim Soloists are starting their China tour with a first concert in Shanghai, followed by two more in Beijing's prestigious National Centre for the Performing Arts on May 27 and 28. In sympathy with the victims and families of victims of the Sichuan earthquake, Anne-Sophie Mutter decided to donate one of her China concerts fees to Earthquake Disaster Relief through the International Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland.

Mercedes-Benz, sponsor of Anne-Sophie Mutter and the Trondheim Soloists 2008 Asia Tour, highly appreciates the violinist's generosity and sympathy. "The earthquake has brought deep sorrow to the people of China. Apart from a financial donation immediately after the tragedy happen, Mercedes-Benz wants to help heal people's hearts and express our condolences with the power of music Anne-Sophie Mutter brings. We believe everything in the struck areas will eventually recover. People will surely overcome all difficulties and rebuild their homes," said Bjoern Hauber, General Manager of Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd.

Passion and simplicity are inherent traits in the music-making of Anne-Sophie Mutter, one of the greatest violin virtuosos of our time, who is also famous for her social responsibility and benevolence. Acknowledging the tragedy in China's southern province of Sichuan after the recent earthquake, Ms. Anne-Sophie Mutter instantly decided to donate one of her China concert fees to Earthquake Disaster Relief through the International Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland. "My heart goes out to the families and friends who have suffered so much personal loss due to the Sichuan earthquake. I believe in a world in which all people are bound together by a common human spirit. I hope my donation and my music brings both help and solace to the thousands in grief, and I hope musicians around the world will join me in assisting the relief efforts", Anne-Sophie Mutter expressed. The violinist especially added one more program to her concert - Air on the G String - composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The music's slow and low melody expresses deep sorrow and respects for the victims while the inspiring new notes mark a new beginning. The music softly concludes with a sound of prayer, leaving hope in the air for those who most need it, while showing the violinist's thoughtfulness for the victims.