Opera buffa to debut at NCPA

The National Centre for the Performing Arts is putting its own spin on L'Italian in Algeri. The production has been produced by a creative team led by world famous director Giancarlo del Monaco. It is the first opera buffa to be performed at the NCPA and also the first Rossini opera by the director at the venue.

Italian mezzo-soprano Sylvia Beltrami will sing the role of Isabella. Italian veteran bass Enzo Capuano will act as Mustafa. Shi Yijie, a Chinese tenor with extensive European experience, will play the role of Lindoro. The show runs from November 28th to December 1st.

The opera is the latest in a line of major operas at the NCPA.

Its production of Don Quixote recently capped off its 2013 Dance Festival. The show, presented by the National Ballet of China, was the second revival of the classic since its premiere in 1985. And marked the show's first performance on the NCPA stage.

The troupe's Prima Ballerina, Zhu Yan, and young solo dancer, Ma Xiaodong, played the leading roles of Kitri and Basilio in the production.

The 2013 Dance Festival lasted for nearly a month and saw 11 different productions by performing troupes from around the world.