Celtic legend

Mariusz Trelinsk directs Richard Wagner's opera Tristan und Isolde which will be staged at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing later in the month. [Photo by Liang Gang/For China Daily]

"Although it's complicated and difficult to understand, the audience will be impressed by this masterpiece, which presents a cinematic feeling," says Trelinsky.

In March 2016, a version of the opera, produced by the Metropolitan Opera, Teatr WielkiPolish National Opera and Festspielhaus Baden-Baden Opera premiered at the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, one of Germany's largest opera and concert houses. It was staged in Warsaw and New York in June and September last year.

American tenor Jay Hunter Morris plays the role of Tristan, with Danish soprano Ann Petersen as Isolde.

"Of all the blessings in my life, my wife, my children and everything, one of the greatest joys is that I can stay in this business long enough to play the role of Tristan," says Morris, who is known for his performance in the Metropolitan Opera's 2011-12 series of Wagner's Ring Cycle.

"He (Tristan) is the opposite of who I am. It's quite challenging to play him," Morris says of the sadness of the character.

"The music is so beautiful and emotionally challenging (for the tenor)."

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn