19:36, 11-Apr-2019
Un Ballo in Maschera: NCPA kicks off annual Opera Festival with Verdi's tragedy
Updated
19:30, 14-Apr-2019
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03:45
The National Center for the Performing Arts has just kicked off its annual Opera Festival with a new rendition of "Un Ballo in Maschera". The classical Italian opera was warmly welcomed as it made its debut here in Beijing. Li Qiong reports.
"Un Ballo in Maschera" is believed to be one of Giuseppe Verdi's most substantial works in terms of music. It consists of many classical arias, and represents the culmination of the Italian Romantic opera of the 19th century.
It's been performed at the National Center for the Performing Arts for seven years and has gained great popularity among music-lovers.
Now, a new production of the opera has once again taken the audience in Beijing on a mysterious journey in time to the 18th century Europe.
"Un Ballo in Maschera" revolves around the assassination plot of King Gustav III of Sweden in the 18th century. He was shot while attending a masked ball and died of his wounds thirteen days later.
The show still poses some performing and singing challenges to actors, even after three weeks of practice.
Un Ballo in Maschera is the opening show of this year's NCPA Opera Festival. It will go on stage until April 14. LQ, CGTN.