Russian epic Prince Igor thrills Beijing

A brief moment of Russian history endures in classic style on the world stage. "Prince Igor," composed by Alexander Borodin in the 1870s, held a Beijing audience spellbound Tuesday night. The performance was under the direction of world renowned Russian conductor Valery Gergiev. The performance was the opening spectacular at the Opera Hall of the National Grand Theatre.

This is the first time "Prince Igor" was performed in China since it was revised in 2001.

Based on the historical epic that dates to the 12th century, Prince Igor tells of the Russian prince's battle against the invading Polovtians. Russian lands have been devastated by the rapacious attackers.

The opera opens with a grand spectacle, as the people greet Igor and his warriors, wishing them victory on the battlefield.

The campaign fails. The prince is taken prisoner, but manages to escape. The story ends well, as the Russian people become united to face a common enemy.