Chinese traditional opera is one of the treats of a visit to Beijing. Now, you can listen to it in a posh modernist hall: the National Center of Performing Arts in central Beijing. Earlier I checked out the exciting shows being offered during the Olympic Season at the center.

Wednesday night saw herds of people going through the entrance of the Center.

Backstage top artists from various styles of China's regional operas are preparing for a night gala. They have all been former winners of China's most prestigious opera awards: the Plum Blossom Prize.