Finding fresh magic in Aida

Conductor Zubin Mehta returns to the Beijing stage with a new production of a Verdi classic, Chen Jie reports. Chen Jie

'If this is the first production of the opera you've seen," boasts maestro Zubin Mehta of his imminent staging of Aida, "you will be disappointed when you see any other productions anywhere in the future."

Mehta, an impresario who exudes confidence, can't wait to bring Verdi's masterpiece to the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing this weekend. The opera will run from Jan 24 to Feb 1.