KUALA LUMPUR, The Guangzhou Opera House has welcomed nearly 200 international guests for the revival of the opera ‘Marco Polo’ on May 3 and 4.

According to a statement, this three-act opera in Chinese melds a rich historical narrative with the enduring friendship between China and Italy, providing a unique cultural experience for both Chinese and international audiences.

‘The extensive histories and cultural heritages of China and Italy enrich our cooperation, strengthening the bonds between our peoples,’ said Italian Consul General in Guangzhou, Valerio De Parolis.

Marco Polo, the renowned 13th-century Italian explorer, chronicled his travels in China in the book “The Travels of Marco Polo”, igniting the first “China fever” in the West, in which this opera exemplifies East-West collaboration, integrating Chinese and Western cultural elements seamlessly.

Premiered in 2018 at the same venue, the production featured a globally diverse team, with Chinese poet Wei Jin as scriptwriter and President of the Ger
man Composers Association DKV, Enjott Schneider as composer.

Directed by former Director of Opera at the London Royal Opera House, Kasper Holten, the opera has toured from Quanzhou to Italy, earning international praise.

This revival marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 700th death anniversary of Marco Polo.

The prelude event, titled ‘Sharing Salon to An Encounter with Marco Polo’, held on May 4 drew nearly 200 delegates from 29 countries, including representatives from consulates and chambers of commerce, to engage in discussions on Sino-foreign cultural exchanges.

The salon featured ‘Marco Polo’s Reverie’ by Italian painter Sandro Trotti and works by Guangdong artist Wang Shaoqiang, who is participating in La Biennale di Venezia, with discussions highlighted Marco Polo’s impact and the broader scope of China-Italy cooperation.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency