Scenes from the Shanghai Ballet's new production The Lady of the Camellias. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Michael England, who conducted the orchestra of the Shanghai Opera House for the musical accompaniment to Camellias, described Davis as a talented music composer who was suited for the job. Davis previously composed music for films such as The French Lieutenant's Woman, The Great Gatsby and several BBC drama series.

"In his music, there are lots of emotions to capture: love, anguish, anger, with cinematic elements that can quickly shift to different aspects of the story," says England.

Contact the writer at zhangkun@chinadaily.com.cn