Peking University, Dec. 7, 2011: After nearly one month’s performances and competition, the first Chinese Opera Festival drew the final curtain on November 30. Among the fourteen entries which participated in this contest, Song of Youth, an original opera produced by Peking University (PKU) Academy of Opera dominated seven awards, including the Excellent Opera Award, which is the highest award given by the festival, the Excellent Performance Award and the Excellent Music Award.

Stage photo of Song of Youth

Song of Youth wins 7 awards

Song of Youth was the first original production of PKU Academy of Opera. It features Chinese elements and style, and at the same time conforms to international aesthetical norms.

It was during the contest that the opera was premiered. On this platform of exchange and communication, Song of Youth realizes the dreams within certain Chinese operas. Its wonderful composition skills and exquisite musical plot have enriched the stage of Chinese opera.

On the evening of November 22, Song of Youth was staged at Fujian Opera House, the main venue of the contest.

The cast of the performance included a number of China’s top opera artists. Dean Jin Man was the General Executive Producer; Tang Jianping, famous composer and professor in the Composition Department, the Central Conservatory of Music, undertook the composition; Cao Yong and Wang Xiaoling, both State Level-A Scriptwriters, took part in its screenwriting.

The opera is outstandingly expressive through aria, ensemble and chorus. The patriotism of Chinese people during the nation’s toughest moments is given a full illustration. The superb arias Song of Youth , We Are Students of the Red Mansion and We Believe in the Future vividly depict the youths’ character and spirit at that time. The devoted performances of the actors thrilled the audience and won their positive response. The media acclaimed Song of Youth as “a rich artistic banquet for the audience”.

The cast of Song of Youth pose for a group photo

The first Chinese Opera Festival lasted from November 6 to 30 in the city of Fuzhou. The festival was significant for the cause of Chinese opera. As pointed out by PKU President Zhou Qifeng, “Song of Youth is set at PKU, and its spirit also sprouted from PKU. It is an exploit of the university’s artistic innovation.” With the honor of the highest national opera award and several other single awards, Song of Youth signifies another successful undertaking in artistic creation and education by PKU Academy of Opera.

Written by: Yan Binghan
Edited by: Arthars, DJRM

Source: PKU News (Chinese)