Long before Chinese-American music composer Tan Dun won an Oscar for his score in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, he was already an accomplished artist whose eclectic brand of East-meets-avant garde music was drawing praise from fans and critics alike.

Since winning the Oscar, he has only gotten more famous. In 2006, he joined forces with acclaimed Chinese writer Ha Jin and director Zhang Yimou to create an opera titled The First Emperor to be staged at the venerable Metropolitan Opera in New York. Tan composed the music while the libretto was written in English by Tan and Ha Jin.

Though the show was quickly sold out in New York last year, opera fans in Singapore will now get to see the filmed version of it on the 22.4-metre wide GVmax at VivoCity, one of the biggest screens in Asia. Now aren't we lucky?

The First Emperor centres on Qin Shi Huang (260 — 210 BCE), the prince and warlord who unified China through the brutal conquest of other states and became the country's first emperor. This visionary figure is responsible the creation of the Great Wall of China and the first massive road system in China. But he also made controversial decisions such as outlawing Confucianism and ordering the brutal murder of its scholars.

Tan Dun's bold and original opera focuses on a particular episode of Qin's life — that is, his quest to create an anthem for his new country. Tragedy follows when his own daughter falls in love with the rebellious young composer whom Qin has tasked to write the anthem.

With a star cast led by world-famous tenor Placido Domingo as Qin, The First Emperor is unusual in its blending of Chinese musical styles with more traditional Puccinian flourishes. Depending on your taste, this may or may not work. Some Western critics have criticized its eclectic style, while some Asian critics have defended it. But there is no denying the scope, enormity and ambition of this US$2-million project.

Singapore audiences can now enjoy front row seats at this grand opera conducted by Tan Dun himself. However, it is showing for a very limited period only (20 to 26 Sep) so we suggest you get your ass to VivoCity ASAP!