Behind the Curtain: French stars of 'Mozart, L'Opéra Rock' bring their magic to China

French musical stars Melissa Mars and Noémie Garcia, beloved for their performances in "Mozart, L'Opéra Rock," have captivated audiences worldwide, including in China. Fresh from their concerts in Shanghai and Beijing in mid-August, they spoke with CGTN about their experiences on and off stage.

The concerts, titled "Noémie Garcia and Melissa Mars: Wonder Power," featured a wide selection of songs from both French and Broadway musicals.

"The audience got to know each of us separately, but in the same musical," Mars said. "They tend to like musicals. So, that was a way to connect with them."

Garcia was impressed by the passion of Chinese audiences for musicals. "They have the set list before. If they don't know the song, they will learn it," she said, adding that this dedication creates a deep connection during performances.

"It's really special," Garcia added.

A 'newcomer' and an 'old friend'

Although she had visited China before, this was Mars' first time performing in the country, a "totally new" experience for her.

"Back in France and on Instagram or social media, I used to receive messages like 'We want to see you in China!' But who is we? How do you know me?" said Mars. She finally found the answer when she met her fans in person.

Mars played Aloysia Weber, Mozart's first love, in "Mozart, L'Opéra Rock" from 2009 to 2010.

"We are in 2025. And I have people coming and telling me they love me because of what I did then," she said. "They made me cry every time."

Garcia, meanwhile, is already an "old friend" of China. She has toured the country with "Mozart, L'Opéra Rock" since 2018, and last year even brought her daughter along, who took her first steps while on tour.

"She really loves to see the audience at the stage door," Garcia recalled. "Best memory of my life. It's my daughter here in China, so I will never forget."

The two have received overwhelming love from Chinese fans, with some even promoting the concerts online and creating artwork of the singers to share freely.

"We don't have words," Garcia said. "I don't know how to say it, just thank you. (If) there's another word bigger than this word, I will use it!"

China's stage as a bridge for global culture

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary, Mars and Garcia reflected on how the arts can foster unity and understanding in difficult times.

Mars admitted that in the face of heartbreaking news, she sometimes questioned the purpose of performing. Yet she is reminded that art offers a way forward, a source of hope, peace, and love.

"People in difficult situations say, 'we need this.' When I hear that, I know I must keep going," she said.

For Garcia, music itself is an international language, one that soothes hearts and bridges divides.

Both artists also emphasized China's dynamic role in global cultural exchange. Garcia described Chinese audiences as uniquely passionate, with a hunger for art and culture from around the world.

"As an artist, to come here is to be at the top of the world," she said. Mars echoed this view, praising China's vitality and leadership not only in technology but also in culture.

For both singers, performing in China is more than a professional opportunity, it feels like "a second home," full of creativity, talent, and meaningful connections with audiences.

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Guo Meiping

Cinematographers: Jin Kun, Zhang Yao

Cover image designer: Pei Zihan