Tosca by Teatro Carlo Felice, the only opera production from overseas on the program of the 20th China Shanghai International Arts Festival, was presented at the Daning Theater on Oct 20 and 21.

The major production featured a cast of 170 people and realistic stage settings shipped from Italy. It was co-performed by Italy Sicilian chorus and Italy's new Scarlatti Symphony Orchestra.

The hero Tosca was played by Italian soprano Raffaella Angeletti, who is known in China for her portrayal of the merciless princess Turandot in the 2009 performance of the Puccini opera Turandot at the Bird's Nest in Beijing.

Teatro Carlo Felice is the most important opera house in Genoa, as well as one of the best-known theaters in Italy. The play was adapted from French dramatist Sardou's play of the same title and composed by Giacomo Puccini.

One of the most frequently-performed operas in the world, Tosca tells a moving, tragic love story that took place in Rome in 1800.

A total of 45 productions, 25 of which from abroad, will take place during the China Shanghai International Arts Festival which runs from Oct 19 to Nov 22.