Cast & Characters

The Cast

Princess Yue-yang: Elizabeth Futral
Shaman: Michelle DeYoung
Gao Jian-li: Paul Groves
Emperor Chin: Plácido Domingo
General Wang: Hao Jiang Tian
Yin-Yang Master: Wu Hsing-Kuo
Conductor: Tan Dun

The Characters

Princess Yueyang (soprano): The crippled daughter of Emperor Qin who is promised in marriage to General Wang Jong, but falls in love with Gao Jianli instead.

Shaman (mezzo-soprano): Mysterious and spiritual advisor to Emperor Qin.

Emperor Qin (tenor): The First Emperor of China, he orders Gao Jianli to compose an anthem to unify his country.

Gao Jianli (tenor): Gifted composer and childhood friend of Emperor Qin, he writes an anthem for the new Chinese empire and falls in love with Princess Yueyang.

Mother of Yueyang (mezzo-soprano): She strives to unite her family and encourages the Emperor and Princess to find the balance between love and their country.

General Wang Jong (bass): Sent by Emperor Qin, the General captures Gao Jianli, and as a reward, the Emperor promises Princess Yueyang’s hand in marriage.

Yin-Yang Master (tenor): Master of the ceremonies for the imperial court of the First Emperor.