La traviata, by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, is one of the most popular Western operas in China.

On May 20, a new adaptation of the classic opera was premiered in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, which was a joint production by the National Centre for the Performing Arts and Shaanxi Opera House.

Chinese singers, including tenor Shi Yijie, soprano Zhou Xiaolin and baritone Liao Changyong, performed with Xi'an Symphony Orchestra and its chorus, and the chorus of the NCPA, under the baton of conductor Lyu Jia.

Over 1,000 audience members attended the premiere.

This version of the classic opera, directed by Henning Brockhaus, was first staged in 2010 by the NCPA, featuring a unique "mirror" stage design, which aims at visualizing the vanity of high society in the 19th century.

Since 2017, Shaanxi Opera House has staged its own opera productions, such as Puccini's Turandot and Georges Bizet's Carmen. This year, it will bring more opera productions, including Puccini's Tosca.