'Mozart, L'opera Rock': French rock musical offers new look at composer's life

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The French rock musical "Mozart, L'opera Rock" has been staged at SAIC Shanghai Culture Square. The soundtrack features both music composed by Mozart and a collection of pop songs, and made the French music charts for 20 weeks. The musical about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will be staged until January 21st. Huang Yuanqing takes a look.

Starting with a 17-year-old Mozart, the show follows the musical genius as he faces various obstacles in life. The combination of rock and Baroque music styles, costumes and stage settings make this version stand out from others.

FRANCOIS CHOUQUET ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, "MOZART, L'OPERA ROCK" "The musical is not just a biography or a simple story to introduce Mozart; instead it combines modern rock music with the biggest turning points in his life to paint a portrait of a vivid and fabulous character."

Italian singer Mikelangelo Loconte stars as Mozart. He has won three NRJ Music Awards for his performance. Loconte believes that despite all the suffering, Mozart was dedicated to creating better music. It's this spirit of freedom he hopes to infuse in his performances.

MIKELANGELO LOCONTE ACTOR, "MOZART, L'OPERA ROCK" "The people need the spirit of Rock & Roll. So I think that when I'm just free on the stage, the people are free with me. So I think that I share this and people feel this."

The musical has been a success since premiering in Paris in 2009, leading to tours of Japan, South Korea, Ukraine and Russia. ICS FOR CGTN