Placido Domingo will play the lead role in the opera Thais, presented by the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. [Photo by Ling Feng/For China Daily]

"This is our first collaboration on Thais and every time I perform with Domingo, it's a magical moment. I have learned a lot from him, whether I'm singing or not," says Rodriguez at the NCPA.

The creative force behind the NCPA's version of Thais is Argentine director Hugo de Ana, who is also the production's set and costume designer. Chinese singers Li Yi, Zhang Wenwei and Dong Fang will also perform in the opera.

In 2012, Domingo also collaborated with the NCPA in the 20th edition of Operalia in Beijing, an annual international voice competition founded by Domingo in 1993 as a platform to help launch the careers of many of today's opera stars. Among its winners are Chinese soprano Sun Xiuwei and mezzo-soprano Yang Guang.

Speaking about the NCPA, Domingo says: "I want to salute the efforts and achievements that the NCPA have made over the past 10 years. As a young company, it has produced a wide repertoire with over 50 operas, which is amazing."

He also recalls that he performed in China about three decades ago and he was impressed by the regard the audiences held for music.

While working with major record companies, the singer also devotes his time to combating music piracy. Since 2011, he has been the honorary chairman of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

"Now, the recording industry is facing many challenges, but they still mainly come from piracy. I hope China, with its huge audience and its love for music, will become a major power in the fight against global piracy in music," he says.

If you go

7 pm, Feb 2-6. 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6655-0000.