Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) received a generous donation from Dr Ina Ho Chan Un-chan to establish the Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre (the Research Centre). The Opening Ceremony will be held on 19 August (Saturday) at the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District, after which a Cantonese opera performance, titled “Glamour of Cantonese Opera Shines through the Academia” will be staged. It is grounded on refined classical Cantonese opera titles, with performances by renowned artists, including Lung Koon-tin, Yuen Siu-fai and Nam Fung. Tickets will be available from tomorrow (5 July) for online, mobile app and telephone booking, as well as at the Xiqu Centre ticket office. The proceeds will be used to promote the development of Cantonese opera.

HKMU President Prof. Paul Lam Kwan-sing thanked Dr Ho for her kind trust and support, and said that the University would work together with the Hong Kong Cantonese Opera Troupe, founded by Dr Ho, through the Research Centre to foster the development of Cantonese opera. “The Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre is tasked with the research, development and preservation of Cantonese opera, taking this World Intangible Cultural Heritage to overseas Chinese and foreign audience and allowing the charm of Chinese culture to bloom in the international arena.” To mark the occasion, Prof. Lam said the University will once again stage a large-scale public performance at the Xiqu Centre, as in 2019, featuring a number of Cantonese operatic stars to present a spectacular show to the audience.

The performance is co-ordinated by the HKMU School of Arts and Social Sciences, with Cantonese opera music maestro Dr Choo Heng-cheong as the Guest Chief Musician. Well-known Cantonese opera veterans and fresh performers will join hands to perform Nanyin “Yearning of the Way in Fall” and five excerpts: “Plum-picking Romance in The Reincarnation of the Red Plum”, “Seeing you Off in Drums along the Battlefield”, “Giving up His own Son to Save Zhao's Orphan in The Orphan of Zhao”, “Mu Guiying Finding a Groom” and “Meeting at the Military Camp in Unparalleled Heroes Overlord the City of Chu”.

The soon-to-be-established Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre is dedicated to promoting the teaching, learning and appreciation of Cantonese opera. Through English translations and the exchange of Cantonese opera libretti and excerpts, as well as academic research, the Centre aims to enhance awareness and appreciation of Cantonese opera among both the young local generation and overseas audiences, and promote East-meets-West international cultural exchange. The Centre also plans to launch online courses on Cantonese opera cultural appreciation and organise regular seminars and guest lectures to raise the general public's understanding of Cantonese opera through multi-media channels.

“Glamour of Cantonese Opera Shines through the Academia” Ina Ho Cantonese Opera Research Centre Opening Ceremony cum Cantonese Opera Performance

Date:         19 August 2023 (Saturday)
Time:         1:30 pm
Venue:       Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
Price:         HK$680, $580, $480*, $280* (available for sale from 5 July ^#)
Cast:        Yuen Siu-fai, Lung Koon-tin, Nam Fung, Vong Seng-pan, Leung Sum-yee, Yat Dim-hung, Chan Kei-ting, Siu Wing-yee
Programme enquiries:       2768 6702
Telephone ticketing:           2200 0022
Online ticketing:
https://www.westkowloon.hk/en/event/glamour-cantonese-opera-shines-through-academia-ina-ho-cantonese-opera-research-centre#overview

* 50% discount for senior citizens aged 60 or above, people with disabilities and wheelchair users, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients, full-time students. Ticket holders must present proof of eligibility on admission.
^# No handling fees for all ticketing channels