Renowned Cantonese opera artists and musicians from Hong Kong collaborated with the San Francisco-based Duen Fung Ming Chinese Opera troupe to give three performances in San Francisco. The charity performances presented by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco (SFETO), benefited seniors served by Self-Help for the Elderly, a San Francisco-based non-profit organisation.

     Speaking to the audience at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center on December 13 (San Francisco time), the Director of the SFETO, Mr Ivanhoe Chang, said the office was proud to sponsor the event, which offered an opportunity to promote this unique art form to a San Francisco audience.

     "Few art forms can compare to Cantonese opera, with its colorful costumes, distinctive singing and music as well as a vibrant performance style that is rich with symbolic meaning," said Mr Chang. "It is no wonder that Cantonese opera was included as part of UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

     "The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is providing more opportunities for people in Hong Kong to enjoy Cantonese opera, which is popular with audiences in Hong Kong, both young and old, and continues to develop professional talent in this performing art,” he said.

     Mr Chang encouraged the audience to visit Xiqu Centre, a venue dedicated to Chinese opera's rich heritage, when they visit Hong Kong. "We welcome you to the Xiqu Centre to watch a performance at the Tea House Theatre while enjoying tea and dim sum," he said.

Ends/Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Issued at HKT 3:05

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