The Valkyrie, the second part of Wagner's epic opera cycle "The Ring of Nibelung," has been the most rendered in later productions. Marking the Beijing Music Festival's 20th anniversary, the version created by the Salzberg Easter Music Festival 50 years ago is enthralling Chinese audiences.

Wagner's opera cycle "The Ring" revolves around a magic ring that grants the power to rule the world. And this segment of "Valkyrie" tells of the Goddess Brunnhilde who defies her father to save a pair of lovers Siegmund and Sieglinde, at the expense of losing her immortality. And this scene is when Siegmund found his long-lost twin sister Sieglinde and the two fell in love.

The complete Nibelung opera cycle takes about 15 hours to perform in its entirety and normally takes place over several days. The current show, which is the second segment of the cycle, lasts for five and half hours, including intervals. But it's all worthwhile for Beijing's opera aficionados, allowing them to drink in the magnificence and beauty of Wagner through this classic Salzberg version.

And this chapter of the opera cycle has also been hailed as a thorough synthesis of drama, poetry and music, for which Wagner is said to revolutionize opera with his concept of the "total work of art."

Bringing Wagner's epic piece to the stage has been a massive challenge for any opera company. This time around, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is taking on the feat, with its artistic director Jaap Van Zweden conducting. The violinist-turned conductor is one of the most sought-after conductors around the globe and will soon to be the artistic director of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. The show is a tribute to and reprise of the 1957 Salzberg version, staged as the opening show at the first Salzberg Easter Music Festival and conducted by Karajan.

The production has invited some A-list Wagner opera singers, including Australian tenor Stuart Skelton playing the lead male role Siegmund.

"Valkyrie" will be staged at Beijing's Poly Theater for four consecutive nights from Tuesday to Friday. ‍