Source: CCTV.com

07-11-2008 09:17

As one reviews Western opera, the presence of Oriental themes becomes rather startlingly apparent. There is the Chinese princess Turandot. There's the Japanese geisha Madame Butterfly.

From the Middle-East - the Egyptian slave-girl Aida.(Photo: CCTV.com)

From the Middle-East - the Egyptian slave-girl Aida. These are three of the best known operas in the world. Aida is one of few that had its premiere in the locale where the story is set in Cairo. Now a company of Egyptian artists has brought its spectacular production to China, to hold spellbound, opera lovers in Beijing. It's the first time the Cairo Opera Company has performed "Aida" outside Egypt.

The most exciting experience of viewing "Aida" surely must be in Cairo, set against the backdrop of the Great Pyramids. That's what the Cairo Opera Company does best.

From the Middle-East - the Egyptian slave-girl Aida.(Photo: CCTV.com)

The company has worked diligently to ensure the essence of the performance is little diluted as they bring "Aida" to the National Center for Performing Arts, in Beijing.

At the debut in China, the Cairo Opera Company came in full force. The huge cast and crew of more than 300 came to Beijing. There're the orchestra, chorus, ballet dancers and technicians. The luxurious props for recreating the glorious Egyptian palace came along with them.