The stage is set

The opera house string quartet performed with tenor Li Shuang and soprano Guo Chengcheng at the theater's opening.

"I've been performing with the China National Opera House for over two decades," says Li. "We used to perform at different theaters in Beijing and now we finally have our own theater. I am excited. It will be our new home for rehearsals and performing."

Founded in 1952, China National Opera House celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. With the opening of the new theater, it hopes to launch a series of shows starting from Sunday and running until June 5. However, due to the ongoing pandemic prevention measures, some performances and programs could be subject to postponement.

According to Liu, the company has produced more than 100 operas so far and toured worldwide. During the monthlong event, classic Western and original Chinese operas, as well as concerts, will be staged, displaying the company's history and achievements over the past 70 years.

On Sunday, the opening concert will feature a program which includes Ode to the Red Flag, composed by Lyu Qiming, arias from Chinese opera The White-Haired Girl, French composer Georges Bizet's Carmen, and Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto. Liu will perform the famous music piece Meditation from the opera, Thais, composed by French composer Jules Massenet.

Five Chinese conductors, including 93-year-old Zheng Xiaoying, 83-year-old Chen Xieyang, and Yang Yang, music director and chief conductor of the China National Opera House, will perform with the symphony orchestra, chorus and soloists of China National Opera House at the opening concert.