Society

Chinese 'Turandot' presents first succesful performance

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-05-07 15:02

DAMASCUS - Opera "Turandot" presented by the China National Opera House (CNOH) accomplished its first successful performance in Syria on Thursday night.

"Turandot" is conducted by Yu Feng, CNOH president, with 160 Chinese performers and staff participating. A children's chorus from Syria also contributed to the performance at the National Dar Al-Assad Opera Theater.

Authentic drums from the Chinese Emperor's era announced the start of the opera, and Chinese artists' marvelous singing conquered the audience during the nearly three-hour performance.

At the end of the performance, the audience gave a standing ovation.

Ahmad Saleh, a Syrian dentist, told Xinhua that the costumes and decor were breathtaking.

"The show offered me an opportunity to learn the Chinese culture and enjoy the masterpiece presented by Chinese artists," he said.

The CNOH will continue presenting the opera in Damascus Friday and Saturday.

The CNOH tour to Syria marks the first collaboration between the national opera theaters of the two countries and a great event in the history of cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.