The original opera Ode to the Lotus Flower premieres at the Meixihu International Culture and Art Center in Changsha on July 5. [Photo/voc.com.cn]

The original opera Ode to the Lotus Flower premiered at the Meixihu International Culture and Art Center in Changsha on July 5, treating audiences to a fantastic feast for the eyes and ears.

Inspired by the literary masterpiece of the same name by Zhou Dunyi, a famous philosopher during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), the opera draws on cultural tropes to reveal the spiritual depths of the great philosopher, and also explores the profound culture of Central China's Hunan province.

"The opera, which conveys the writer's philosophical ideas, humanistic spirit and noble values, depicts the story of an honest and upright official who fights against corrupt officials and profiteers to save the common people from suffering," said Tan Zhongchi, the scriptwriter.

Many times, the creators visited the ancient writer's former residences, Daoxian county in Yongzhou and Rucheng county in Chenzhou, in order to better understand Zhou's spirituality.

The opera, mixing realism with romanticism, is produced by Changsha's Tianhan Grand Theater and was subsidized by the China National Arts Foundation in 2017.

Rich music from Hunan province is also featured in the opera.

"Hunan province is blessed with rich music, which can be re-created," said Liao Yong, the composer. Liao listened to many folk songs and operas, such as Qiyang Minor, Qiyang Opera and Flower Drum Opera, and blended them into the background music.

According to an official at the Tianhan Grand Theater, Ode to the Lotus Flower is open to public opinion and will later be better integrated into Hunan culture.

After the performance tour in Changsha, it is slated to be performed at the National Grand Theater in Beijing, as well as other global cities.