The 2024 Chinese Opera Festival (Kunshan), or "Hundred Opera Festival," officially commenced on the evening of September 5th in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. As a unique platform for showcasing China’s rich operatic heritage, this event brought together seven esteemed opera artists who delivered a series of mesmerizing performances. Beyond the stage, the festival spilled into local villages with public performances, captivating tourists and opera enthusiasts alike with the diverse appeal of traditional Chinese opera. The event highlighted how Chinese opera is no longer confined to the theater, but has become a bridge between culture, tourism, and everyday life.
Kunshan: The Birthplace of Chinese Opera
Kunshan (昆山), the birthplace of Kunqu Opera, has long been a hub of traditional Chinese opera culture. Since 2018, the Chinese Opera Festival has been a major platform for the exchange of various opera styles, as well as a venue for the development and training of opera talent. The festival, hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism along with the Jiangsu Provincial Government, continues to foster a vibrant environment for opera artists and enthusiasts to showcase their skills.
In his opening remarks, Xia Xinmin, the Vice Governor of Jiangsu, emphasized the province's deep opera heritage, which boasts over 20 unique local opera forms, including Xiju, Huai Opera, Yang Opera, and Huaihai Opera. He drew upon a famous line from the Kunqu Opera The Peony Pavilion (牡丹亭), “Without entering the garden, how could one know the beauty of spring?” This sentiment mirrors the growing trend of audiences, especially the younger generation, actively seeking out the beauty of traditional Chinese opera and culture. “We will continue to create more outstanding works that resonate with both audiences and critics, foster talented opera artists, and build bridges between traditional opera and modern audiences," Xia added.
A National Celebration of Opera
Running until September 23, the 2024 Chinese Opera Festival includes a rich array of events. Over the course of the festival, five grand operatic performances and 21 sets of short operas will be staged, featuring 45 opera troupes performing 87 different operatic works. These performances span 22 different regional styles and involve over 3,000 artists and performers, making it a grand showcase of Chinese operatic talent.
In addition to live performances, the festival offers a number of complementary activities, such as the national opera performers' competition, a master class for traditional opera music composition, an opera-themed exhibition at the Hundred Opera Museum, and the highly anticipated "Guochao Carnival," which brings together opera fans and cultural enthusiasts in celebration of China's rich cultural heritage.
"This festival is like a family reunion for Chinese opera," said Qu Qixia, the Party Secretary of the Kunshan Contemporary Kunqu Opera Troupe. "Having so many different opera styles and artists in one place not only promotes cross-cultural exchange but also inspires innovation and talent development in the opera world. It allows people to engage with and appreciate traditional opera in new and meaningful ways."
Cultivating the Next Generation of Opera Talent
One of the festival's highlights is the master class titled "Tianxia First Troupe," dedicated to fostering the next generation of opera music composers. This initiative specifically focuses on supporting regional opera forms that have only one government-backed troupe, ensuring these unique styles do not fade into obscurity. This year, 29 aspiring opera composers will gather in Kunshan for a week-long workshop, where they will receive mentorship from renowned opera artists. Through hands-on learning, field studies, and practical experience, participants will deepen their understanding of opera music composition and arrangement.
The workshop covers everything from vocal composition to full musical arrangement, helping participants develop their skills under the guidance of established opera composers. By investing in this new generation of artists, the festival is playing a crucial role in preserving and evolving the music of traditional Chinese opera.
Bridging Culture and Tourism
In an effort to make Chinese opera accessible to a broader audience, the festival organizers have blended cultural appreciation with tourism. Initiatives like the "See Opera, Tour Jiangsu" travel package encourage tourists to explore the region's scenic and cultural attractions while immersing themselves in the world of traditional opera. These tourism packages offer a unique experience for visitors, combining performances with visits to local cultural landmarks.
Another popular feature of the festival is the Hundred Opera Market, where tourists and locals can purchase opera-themed cultural products. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted fan or a set of Kunqu-inspired trinkets, these items allow festival-goers to take a piece of Chinese opera culture home with them. The market, brimming with creative designs and operatic charm, showcases the growing commercial value of traditional Chinese opera in modern society.
For younger audiences, the festival offers educational summer camps where children can learn about traditional opera through interactive experiences. The Kunqu Summer Camp, in particular, has gained popularity among families, as children immerse themselves in the art form and develop a deep appreciation for the richness of Chinese culture. This growing interest demonstrates how traditional opera, once seen as an art form reserved for older generations, is capturing the hearts and minds of today’s youth.
As Chinese opera steps off the stage and into everyday life, it’s clear that this ancient art form continues to evolve and thrive. Through festivals like the Hundred Opera Festival in Kunshan, the future of Chinese opera is not only being preserved but also reimagined, ensuring that its beauty and cultural significance endure for generations to come.
