A musical opera "Tristan and Yseult" sponsored by Pierre Cardin, the world renowned fashion designer, will be staged in Beijing as part of the "Meet in Beijing" culture gala beginning April 20.

The performance will be the premiere of "Tristan and Yseult" outside France, and Chinese audience will be able to enjoy an original version of a European opera for the first time.

"Tristan and Yseult" originated from a poem written in the 12th century, and was ranked with "Romeo and Juliet" as one of the two great love tragedies in the west.

Pierre Cardin produced the opera and designed the costumes and scenery by himself.

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2002)