(From left) Gao Guangjian, Hao Weiya, Chen Xinyi, Sun Xiuwei, Dai Yuqiang and Yao Hong attend the unveiling ceremony of the opera film Turandot.

On April 14^th, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), together with Huaxia Film Distribution Company, held an unveiling ceremony in the Capital Cinema for the opera film Turandot co-presented by both sides. Chinese opera greats attended the event, such as Chen Xinyi, Sun Xiuwei, Dai Yuqiang and Yao Hong. The film will exclusively hit the big screen on April 16^th.

NCPA has made 37 productions among which 27 are operas since it was inaugurated six years ago. In order to let more audience to enjoy its productions, NCPA launched HD opera film project in 2013. Three operas were shot and they were Turandot, Nabucco and Un balle in Maschera. Among them, as the first NCPA production, the opera Turandot has gone through eight rounds of successful performance since its premiere in 2008, toured South Korea in 2011 and has become one of the most popular NCPA repertoires. A relative in charge from NCPA told the reporter that it would help promote opera art and develop a popular audience for opera. “Don’t look down on this small film ticket. Maybe it will become the key for you to open the door to the world of opera.”

Sun Xiuwei and Dai Yuqiang act as Princess Turandot and Prince Calaf respectively
Photo by Luo Xiaoguag / chncpa.org

In addition, the film will be screened at the Beijing International Film Festival and the Shanghai International Film Festival. The creative team and the leading cast will also attend the opening ceremonies of both festivals. The relative in charge from NCPA said that the opera film broke through the traditional limitation of the opera house and made more people have the chance to enjoy the charm of opera. In addition, two other opera films, Nabucco and Un balle in Maschera also produced by NCPA, will be screened in both Festivals.

Schedule:

April 14  17:20  Turandot (the Capital Cinema)

April 16  18:30  Un balle in maschera (Lumiai Cinema, Fangcaodi Building)

April 17  18:30  Nabucco (MOMA Broadway Cinema)

April 18  18:30  Turandot (Saga Cinema, Blue Harbor Plaza)

April 21  18:30  Nabucco (MOMA Broadway Cinema)

April 21  18:30  Turandot (Saga Cinema, Blue Harbor Plaza)

April 22  18:30  Un balle in maschera  (Lumiai Cinema, Fangcaodi Building)