Beijing, China - May 14, 2019 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli walking, stepping onto podium
2. Bocelli singing
3. SOUNDBITE (Italian) Andrea Bocelli, Italian tenor (partially overlaid with shot 4):
"Nessun Dorma is one of the most famous pieces of the Italian opera. It is known around the world, and also well-known here in China. I also had the opportunity to sing it here, and I have felt the great enthusiasm of the Chinese audience. It will be a big show, and I think I've never participated in such an grand show."
++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++
4. Orchestra
++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++
5. Bocelli singing in rehearsals
6. SOUNDBITE (Italian) Andrea Bocelli, Italian tenor:
"Chinese music and musicians are very exceptional. For example, Lang Lang, who is my friend, and we have worked together. There is a great love for music in China, and Chinese takes music very seriously."
7. Various of Bocelli singing in rehearsals
8. SOUNDBITE (Italian) Andrea Bocelli, Italian tenor:
"I believe mutual understanding always plays a very positive role. It is the cornerstone of world peace and stability. I know some Chinese students who study opera in Italy. That makes me very happy."
9. String section in orchestra
10. Conductor

World-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli is set to treat a Beijing audience to his vocal talents on Wednesday evening, with the virtuoso delivering a special performance at the Asian Cultural Carnival held as part of the ongoing Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations (CDAC).

Bocelli arrived in Beijing on Tuesday to conduct a brief rehearsal at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, where he is scheduled to sing a classic rendition of the famous "Nessun Dorma," an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot."

The Italian musical genius said he has enjoyed close connections with China in the past, having first held a solo concert at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing back in 2004. He later performed at the opening ceremony of the Expo 2010 in Shanghai, and then delivered a resounding concert a year later at Beijing's Bird's Nest stadium.

The singer said performing from the opera "Turandot", a story which is set in China, at the Asian Cultural Carnival is a unique experience which he is greatly looking forward to.

"Nessun Dorma is one of the most famous pieces of the Italian opera. It is known around the world, and also very well-known here in China. I also had the opportunity to sing it here, and I have felt the great enthusiasm of the Chinese audience. It will be a big show, and I think I've never participated in such an grand show," he said on Tuesday.

Bocelli was also full of praise for some of China's biggest musical talents like pianist Lang Lang, who he said has impressed him with his passion and deep understanding of music.

"Chinese music and musicians are very exceptional. For example, Lang Lang, who is my friend, and we have worked together. There is a great love for music in China, and Chinese takes music very seriously," said Bocelli.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. As a veteran performer who travels the world regularly, Bocelli has witnessed the deepening ties between the two countries through musical exchanges, and he recognizes the importance of mutual learning between cultures.

"I believe mutual understanding always plays a very positive role. It is the cornerstone of world peace and stability. I know some Chinese students who study opera in Italy. That makes me very happy," said the Italian artist.

The week-long CDAC opened in Beijing on Wednesday and is running under the theme of "exchanges and mutual learning among Asian civilizations and a community with a shared future." More than 2,000 government officials and representatives of various circles from 47 Asian nations and other states outside the region will attend the CDAC.