A training program on "Chinese opera" — Western opera infused with the characteristics of Chinese folk songs — being held at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music, is attracting nationwide attention.

The program also involves the examination of traditional Chinese drama.

Beginning in mid-March, more than 30 trainees, leading opera singers, researchers from top troupes and art college professors are participating in the project, which is set to last for 30 days and is supported by the China National Arts Fund.

Many of the trainees have won national or provincial-level art awards.

Wang Hongwei, vice-president of the conservatory and a renowned tenor, says the training "is aimed at boosting China's excellent traditional culture, better spreading Chinese voices and conveying Chinese spirit".

"The training is based on the profound experience accumulated by the conservatory's faculty and leading artists in China, expecting to boost the country's unique Chinese opera form, which integrates independent compositions and folk arts with Western opera," he says.