La Boheme is directed by Italian Marco Carniti and features a new setting, a postapocalyptic Paris that is designed by Chinese director Yang Jingze.

Tosca, which will feature celebrated Chinese soprano He Hui, marks the first joint production of three companies in China: the National Centre for the Performing Arts, the Shanghai Opera House and the Shaanxi Opera House.

The production is expected to set a good example for opera development in China.

"We will not only invite leading artists from home and abroad to take part in these productions, but also demonstrate our strength in opera creation, production and interpretation," says Xu Zhong, director of the Shanghai Opera House.