French opera academy begins first tour in China

SHANGHAI - Paris Opera Academy began its first tour in China in celebration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations on Monday.

In the first concert held in Shanghai on Monday night, six singers from the academy, including Chinese tenor Shao Yu, performed 17 classic opera selections such as "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" from the opera "Carmen".

The academy will also hold a concert in Shenyang city, the capital of Northeast China's Liaoning province, and Nanjing city, the capital of East China's Jiangsu province.

Opera is becoming one of the beautiful ties between Chinese and French cultures, said Myriam Mazouzi, director of the academy, adding that in the future, the two countries can learn from each other in opera production and opera education for children.

The Paris Opera Academy is under the Paris Opera that has a history of 350 years.