Reimagining the magic

The production also uses two striking, oversized illuminated dresses with shimmering patterns that evoke stained-glass windows, adding another layer of visual fantasy.

The Queen of the Night, whose famous aria, commonly known as Der Holle Rache — often translated as The Queen of the Night's Aria — is among the most technically demanding passages in the soprano repertoire. It will be performed by Greek coloratura soprano Danae Kontora and French-Romanian coloratura soprano Gloria Tronel.

"The two casts bring different vocal colors, linguistic backgrounds and approaches to characterization, allowing the same roles to take on distinct dramatic nuances," says Zhang Yao.

"For the NCPA and Opera National de Bordeaux, the production represents more than a staging of a Mozart classic. It is also an opportunity to deepen artistic exchanges between China and France through a shared creative process, bringing together artists from different cultural backgrounds to reinterpret a work that continues to speak to audiences across generations," he adds.