Lin Zhonghua, 85, who was the host of the 1964 gala, will join in the new production. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"I was honored to perform at the show. Everyone, the artists and the staff members, took responsibility. The significance of the gala went beyond the singing and the dancing. It let people know the history of modern China, especially the revolution and the birth of New China. It was also a great experience of teamwork," says Li.

Soprano Deng Yuhua was also among the performers at the 1964 gala.

She was 22 then and performed a song, Long Lasting Friendship, which was written in 1962, and was based on the friendship between the Red Army soldiers and the Yi ethnic group during the Long March.

"I was very nervous because I did not feel I could perform with so many veteran artists on such a big occasion," she recalls.

"But the experience was life-changing.

"During my long career, I have performed the song many times, but I still feel touched whenever I sing it."

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

7:30 pm, Dec 24. The Great Hall of the People, west of Tian'anmen Square, Xicheng district, Beijing. 400-610-3721.