Bringing Henan's music scene to the hilt

Conservatory revives acclaimed production while giving opera a platform to shine, Cheng Yuezhu reports.

Some 20 years ago at Beijing's Poly Theatre, tenor Dai Yuqiang starred as Alfredo Germont in La Traviata alongside soprano Yao Hong as Violetta Valery.

Zhengzhou University's Henan Conservatory of Music, where Dai serves as the dean, the Henan Art Center and Beijing Poly Theatre Management Co jointly produced a version of the classic opera last year, marking the first Western opera produced in Henan province.

From Nov 20 to 29, 10 consecutive performances were hosted in Zhengzhou, Henan's capital city. According to official statistics, the performances attracted nearly 20,000 audience members and 40 percent came from outside the province. All performances were streamed online, reaching more than 10 million views.