"After diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in 1979, BYU representatives traveled to China. We have taken our friendship from there," says Jeffrey F. Ringer of the BYU. "We have come back to China many times over the past 40 years, and this year we are returning with a troupe of around 200 members."

Zhang Huoding, one of the country's best-known Peking Opera stars, will conclude the art festival with a performance of the classic work, Farewell My Concubine, on May 25 at the Chang'an Grand Theater. The opera tells of a love story between the warlord of the Chu Kingdom, Xiang Yu, and his concubine, Yu, who ends up giving her life to the man she loves.

Adapted from the Kunqu Opera piece, Qian Jin Ji, written by Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) writer Shen Cai, Farewell My Concubine was first performed by Peking Opera masters Yang Xiaolou (1878-1938) and Shang Xiaoyun (1900-1976) in 1918 in Beijing. In 1922, Peking Opera master Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), along with Yang, performed the piece, which later became one the best-known pieces in Mei's repertoire. The sword dance in Farewell My Concubine was Mei's signature creation based on the knowledge he gained from his martial arts masters.

The 48-year-old Zhang, a former actress with the China National Peking Opera Company who now teaches at the National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts in Beijing, has performed in sellout shows across the country, including a solo show at the Great Hall of the People in 2007.

It has been her long-held wish to stage the classic work.