The Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre (IHCORC) co-organised the event titled “Connect U-r Voices in Cantonese Opera: Joint-university Cantonese Opera Performance” with the Centre for Chinese Music Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Xiqu and Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre at The Education University of Hong Kong. The performance was successfully held on 11 May 2024 at the Jockey Club Grand Theatre, The Jockey Club Institute of Healthcare of HKMU. The performance marked the first Cantonese opera singing event organised by IHCORC since its official establishment. The aim was to promote traditional Chinese opera culture and bring teachers and students from various universities who are enthusiastic and experienced in Cantonese opera together.
Professor Lui Yu-hon, Vice President (Resources and Development) of HKMU, and Dr Kelly Chan, Director of IHCORC of HKMU, joined with the teachers and students from five local universities, namely The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong Metropolitan University, to perform a variety of traditional Cantonese operatic works, delivering a unique and captivating performance. The performance was warmly received and greatly appreciated by numerous audiences.
The performance began with a lively rendition of《打嚴嵩》 by the students, Mr Wan Tsz-ho and Mr Yip Chak-hei; this was followed by a duet《小宴》 performed by Professor Leung Bo-wah and veteran Cantonese opera singer Ms Ng Miu-sheung; Dr Kelly Chan performed 《燈花淚》as a solo piece; Professor Lui Yu-hon collaborated with the student, Ms Wong Cheuk-ki, on performing《五郎救弟》, showcasing intergenerational inheritance.
The performance also featured Professor Ching May-bo's rendition selected section of the Cantonese Vernacular Art Nanyin piece《何惠群嘆五更》, as well as a duet of 《沈園題壁兩斷腸》by the students, Mr Tam Ching and Ms Jamie Ip Tsz-yan, portraying the tragic love story of Lu You and Tang Wan. The students, Mr Wan Tsz-ho and Ms Lai Yuet-ting, also reunited in the classic 《帝女花之香夭》. The performance concluded with a duet of 《文姬歸漢》by Professor Lui and Dr Kelly Chan.
