The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will hold its annual Cantonese Opera Day on November 27 (Sunday) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC). Admission is free.

     This entertaining annual event will start at 1pm, featuring a variety of activities to be held in the Piazza, Foyer, Exhibition Gallery and conference rooms of the HKCC. Programmes will include performances of Cantonese opera excerpts and operatic songs; talks; the "Young Artist's Chat Room"; workshops on Cantonese opera make-up and costumes, singing styles and musical instruments; stall games and a newly introduced rod-puppet Cantonese opera show. Cantonese opera virtuosos Lee Lung, Nam Fung, Yuen Siu-fai, Chan Wing-yee, Ng Chin-fung, Wan Fai-yin, Wai Chun-fai, Tang Mi-ling, Sun Kim-long and Wong Chiu-kwan will also be present for autograph signing.

     To further Hong Kong's image as a centre of Chinese as well as Western culture, Putonghua and English guided tours of the event will be offered to introduce this legendary art form to visitors.

     Since 2003, the cultural sectors of Guangdong, Macau and Hong Kong have designated the last Sunday of every November as Cantonese Opera Day to promote the development of the valuable vernacular art of Cantonese opera. By holding this territory-wide activity on a regular basis, it is hoped that a broader audience base can be developed to hold the torch of Cantonese opera alight for future generations.

     For more information, please refer to the programme leaflet or visit the website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/program_1270.html. For programme enquiries, please call 2268 7325.

Ends/Thursday, November 17, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:00

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