Yet, money is not a major concern for Wu. When he talks about the project, his face is animated and he exudes passion. His company has been in business for almost 20 years. Every year it is responsible for some 400 performances, sending Chinese troupes to Europe and bringing European artists to China. One tour to Vienna by traditional Chinese musicians had more than 600 members, including a huge contingent of family members and fans. But The Ring ranks as the most monumental production, logistically, and is also the most prestigious.

Wu had to seek help and he found three partners: Shanghai Entertainment Group, Shanghai Grand Theater and Xinmin Media Group. Each has taken on some of the jobs involved in this massive endeavor. For example, finding enough hotel rooms for 5,000 room nights during the Expo season is a challenge.

When the curtain rises on the stage of Shanghai Grand Theater on Sept 16, it will be a historic moment for Qian Shijin, artistic director of the theater.

"Between 1949 and 1976, Shanghai saw only one Western opera in full production. Between 1977 and 1998 there were 21 Western operas and operettas, averaging one every three years. When Shanghai Grand Theater opened in 1998, we had nine full productions before the new millennium - in a year and a half. Now we have new offerings, both operas and musicals, every year."

Still, a Ring cycle is not something to be taken lightly.