National Museum of China hosts Verdi exhibition

200 years after his birth, a host of celebrations are being held around the world in honour of one of the most influential composers of opera from the 19th century, Giuseppe Verdi. The National Museum of China is hosting a new exhibition. Some of the items on display have come to China for the very first time.

Verdi was a musical and theatrical genius with a list of compositions including "Nabucco", "Rigoletto", "Aida" and "Otello".

Today, 200 years after his birth, he remains not only the most critically renowned Italian composer, but the most frequently performed in opera houses around the globe.

This exhibition will not only present an overview of the life of the great composer, but also afford visitors with an opportunity to get a little closer to Verdi.

Aside from the recorded operas and posters on display, the most captivating part of the exhibition is the collection of Verdi's own composition manuscripts, and other related cultural relics, which have come to China for the first time.

"This is the first one of the most important ones that Italy parliament has organized," co-curator Prof. Melony said.

The exhibition runs till November 15th.

Two other exhibitions hosted by the museum, including medieval relics from the Louvre in October, and November's royal collections from Liechtenstein featuring work by Rubens and Van Dyck, complete the trio of displays this season.