An opera recounting China’s modern history and conveying the nation's core values recently opened at the country's national performance center. 　

"The opera 'The Road to Rejuvenation' integrates the current ideals of the entire society. It is a 'red classic' promoted by the Communist Party of China (CPC), and it is also a great way of disseminating China’s core values," said Yu Feng, head of the China National Opera House, which produces the opera.

The opera recounts China's turbulent history from the Opium War in 1840 to the opening up of recent years. It was first staged in 2011 and has been shown in various places throughout China.

"China's modern history has been recounted through various TV dramas. But how should we tell the history through music? By means of its melodious songs and choirs, this opera helps young people to learn about the value of the Chinese dream. It is dynamic rather than didactic," Yu said.

According to Zhu Man, a young conductor at the China National Opera House, the highlight of the show lies in its live performance. "Each and every line [of the songs] comes spontaneously, rendering each performance different from the other. Thus the performance will not turn out like assembly line work."

The concluding song of the opera is "Tribute to the Motherland." "We hope the song can help the young audience to be more patriotic," said Li Shuang, a tenor who performs the song.

Ticket prices range from 100 yuan (about US$ 16.30) to 300 yuan (US$ 48.90). The affordable price has won over many new audience members.

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