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The highly acclaimed Raoping Chiu Chow Opera Troupe of Guangdong and Sun Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe have been invited to perform for the Lingnan Music Series presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department in April.
Chiu Chow opera is one of Guangdong's three principal operatic genres. Performed in the Chiu Chow dialect, Chiu Chow opera is also distinguished by a strongly vernacular musical accompaniment. The genre's repertoire originates from southern China's operatic plays of the Song and Yuan periods, presented in the form of vivid, affable dialogue and lyrics, making the performances highly accessible and enjoyable for all. The programme has been carefully selected and the main cast includes the acclaimed performers Wang Guojun, Yu Yuyun, Huang Xide, Yang Rongyu, Li Xueyin, Huang Chengzhong, Li Muming, Guo Li and Chen Jieyun.
Founded in 1956, the Raoping Chiu Chow Opera Troupe of Guangdong is one of the most popular in the region, with a well-rehearsed team of talented artists. The troupe has composed and rearranged numerous outstanding plays over the years, often giving over 200 performances a year. The troupe has previously toured Hong Kong and Singapore to high acclaim.
Sun Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe, formerly known as the Hon Kwong Chiu Chow Opera Troupe, founded in 1959, comprises renowned Chiu Chow opera artists in Hong Kong. The Troupe has performed nearly 100 plays including "Qin Xianglian", "Lotus Lantern" and "The Lady Generals of the Yang Family". The troupe has recently taken an active role in nurturing talented young artists, and promotes Chiu Chow opera by joint performances with other Chiu Chow troupes.
Details of the performances are as follows:
April 2 (Wednesday)
Theatre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre
Programme: "The Xue Rebellion to Reinstate the Tang Regime"
April 3 (Thursday)
Theatre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre
Programme: Excerpts of "Wang Zuo Gives Up His Arm", "Xue Dingshan Annuls His Marriage", "Learning the Esoteric Art on Celestial Mountain", "Bestowing a Cloak on a Snowy Night", "Wang Ying Suffers Three Beatings" and "Xue Rengui Returning to His Humble Abode"
April 4 (Friday)
Auditorium, Tsuen Wan Town Hall
Programme: "Tricking Pan Renmei to Admit His Crime"
All performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets priced from $120 to $200 are now available at all URBTIX outlets, on the Internet and by telephone credit card booking. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and their minders, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients (limited tickets for full-time students and CSSA recipients available on a first-come, first-served basis). Please refer to individual leaflets for more information on the series and group booking discount schemes.
For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7325; for ticketing enquiries call 2734 9009. For telephone credit card bookings, call 2111 5999. Internet bookings are available at www.urbtix.hk. Visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/program_453.html .
Other programmes in the Lingnan Music Series include "A Concert of Chaozhou Gongs and Drums Da luogu" and "A Concert of Chaozhou Xianshi Ensemble Music" by the Hong Kong Chiuchow Music Ensemble, "Sounding Treasures" concerts and Zheng Concert by Chen Anhua. Free activities include the Chaozhou Music Appreciation Lectures, the Zheng Demonstration Lecture by Chen Anhua, "Guangdong Music Under the Tree - Chaozhou Music" and "Guangdong Music Under the Tree - Guangdong Music". Please refer to individual leaflets and the website for more information.
Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:22
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