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Cantonese Opera Day, organised annually by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), takes place today (November 28) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Over 70 performers participate in the opening programme followed by a ceremony officiated by the Under Secretary for Home Affairs, Ms Florence Hui; Chairman of the Cantonese Opera Advisory Committee, Mr Charles Chow; and Chairman of the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong, Dr Liza Wang.
The inscription of Cantonese Opera onto UNESCO¡¯s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity last year signifies that this indigenous art form is winning the attention and recognition of the international community. It also reaffirms that it is an important cultural asset of both Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. In a bid to encourage the continuum of Cantonese opera, the programmes this year focus on excerpts from the traditional paichangxi repertoire. Also, to encourage the younger generation to take an active interest in Cantonese operatic arts, children and youth Cantonese opera groups, as well as the winners of the inter-school Cantonese music competitions, are invited to take turns in performing operatic excerpts and popular Cantonese tunes. ¡°Cantonese Opera Day¡± brings not only fun but also a chance for better understanding of this traditional performance art form to all walks of life.
The event offers an array of programmes suitable for all, including a traditional paichangxi repertoire, operatic excerpts and popular Cantonese tunes. Other attractions include Cantonese opera puppet theatre, a Cantonese opera FOTOMO exhibition, interactive workshops (including stage makeup, putting on full costumes, movements and stylised postures, singing style, demonstration and instruction of the instruments used), talks, stall games and autograph sessions by Cantonese opera stars.
Other events featuring singing and operatic performances are also held at various LCSD venues in support of Cantonese Opera Day.
The cultural departments of Guangdong, Macao and Hong Kong decided in 2003 that the last Sunday of November each year would be designated ¡°Cantonese Opera Day.¡± By holding this event annually, the organisers hope to build a broader audience base to promote and preserve the genre for future generations.
Ends/Sunday, November 28, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:39
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