The year Western opera got a local touch

The two shows were initiated and produced by the Zheng Xiaoying Opera Center, headquartered in Xiamen, Fujian province, which was started by Zheng Xiaoying, the first female conductor following the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Zheng, 95, gave a lecture in Xiamen for her 90th birthday in 2019, as part of which Zhang Yalun and his wife, soprano Wu Xiaolu, who both performed in the original Chinese adaptation, sang the same arias they had performed in 1983.

Their performance inspired Zheng to organize a revival of the adaptation and the Class of 1983 quickly agreed to reprise their roles for their 40th graduation anniversary last year. However, the event had to be postponed due to COVID-19, so in May this year, the revival was first staged in Xiamen.

"After honing their skills on stages worldwide, their understanding of music has deepened. Their spirit and dedication to their craft are a testament to their commitment," says Zheng, who had an in-depth discussion with alumni performers and the leaders of the Central Conservatory of Music on the afternoon of June 18.