Artists from the China National Opera House have won over audiences in Geneva with their own interpretation of Giacomo Puccini’s classic opera Turandot. It all took place over the weekend in an effort to boost cultural exchanges between China and Switzerland.

Artists from the China National Opera House have won over local audiences with their own interpretation of Giacomo Puccini's classic opera Turandot in Geneva.

Puccini’s Turandot, which tells a legendary story set in China, is one of the world’s most popular operas. Now, artists from the China National Opera House have presented the classic opera for a local audience in Geneva. Beautiful Chinese backgrounds, Chinese folk songs, and classic scenes of how Prince Calaf pursued Princess Turandot created a spectacular show.

“Chinese artists performing a famous foreign artist's opera depicting Chinese culture, I think it has a special meaning. It reflects the exchanges between different cultures and civilizations,” said Ma Zhaoxu, Permanent Representative at Geneva.

“I like operas very much and, of course, Turandot is my preferred opera because in some way it’s a bridge building. It has Chinese music built in and, of course, it was a European composer. So I find it very symbolic,” said Klaus Schwab, Founder & Chairman of World Economic Forum.

Chinese singer Sun Xiuwei played the Princess Turandot and Wang Feng portrayed Prince Calaf, who moves the heart of the cold princess with his wisdom and love. Their performances impressed the audience.

“I enjoyed it immensely. I love Puccini and to see a performance of Turandot by the Chinese National Opera Company was very special,” said Susan Ting, wife of Nobel Prize winner Samuel Chao Chung Ting.

Turandot was first performed in China in 1989, by the China National Opera House. After more than 20 years, the opera has become an important piece for the company. On Saturday, more than 210 performers and support staff were involved in staging the grand opera.

Artists from the China National Opera House have won over local audiences with their own interpretation of Giacomo Puccini's classic opera Turandot in Geneva.

Artists from the China National Opera House have won over local audiences with their own interpretation of Giacomo Puccini's classic opera Turandot in Geneva.