Soprano returns to classic role in landmark production, Zhang Kun reports.

The production of Tosca, which will premiere at the Shanghai Grand Theatre on Feb 24, will mark the 103rd time soprano He Hui portrays the title character of the beloved work by Giacomo Puccini, and the first time she is presenting the opera in China.

Jointly produced by the Shanghai Opera House, the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the Shaanxi Opera House, Tosca will be shown at the Shanghai Grand Theatre until Sunday, then in June at the NCPA in Beijing and in July at the Shaanxi Opera House in Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

The production, which has brought together outstanding opera artists from the Shanghai Opera House, the NCPA and the Fujian Song and Dance Theatre, introduces a new model of collaboration among performing art groups around China.

Soprano He hosted a preshow talk at the Shanghai Grand Theatre on Saturday, and shared her experience of being involved in Tosca and other classical operas over the last 25 years.