(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-10 10:40

BEIJING - The classic opera Turandot now has a Chinese ending, and it will make its world debut at the National Grand Theater (NGT) on March 21-26, in downtown Beijing.

Hao Weiya, a young Chinese composer, has added an 18-minute sequel to the three-act opera, the last work of the world-famous Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924).

In Hao's new version, the melody of the Original Remix appears at the climax of Turandot to show the change of Turandot's nature, while it comes at the beginning in Puccini's unfinished composition, according to the Chinese composer.

Hao was employed by the NGT to give a new final touch to the play.

Hao said that an aria entitled "The First Tear" was the most important part of the sequel, meaning a sentimental resurrection from the bottom of the title character's heart and a humanistic realization, which also shows the power of love.

"The First Tear" had its public premiere at the concert of "The Best Collection of the World Classic Operas" in the odeum of the NGT on December 24.

The theatrical release of Turandot with the Chinese ending will add two new characters, Loulin Princess and Yuren, the former presenting Avenger while the latter will be China's Angel.

Director Chen Xinyi said that the two contrasting roles combined the spiritual core of Turandot. "We will let dancers act the roles with the purpose of making the heart of the heroine better understood by the audience."

The two roles would also better express the two themes of the opera, love and heroism, which Chen said he wanted to highlight.

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