5 April 2018
Mr Yu Zhenfei (1902-1993) was a famous master of Peking opera and Kunqu opera performing arts in China and also an educator of Chinese traditional opera with far-reaching impact. In 1958, Mr Yu Zhenfei formally became the first principle of the Shanghai Chinese Traditional Opera School, making painstaking efforts for the talent cultivation for Peking opera and Kunqu opera. 2018 coincides with the 60th anniversary of Mr Yu Zhenfei becoming the principle of the Shanghai Chinese Traditional Opera School. In order to always remember Mr Yu Zhenfei’s outstanding contribution in the area of Chinese traditional opera education, sum up and carry forward Mr Yu Zhenfei’s spirit of education, and provide reference and enlightenment for Chinese traditional opera education at the present, the College of Chinese Traditional Opera of the Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA) and the Chinese Traditional Opera School affiliated to STA will present a singing concert of Peking opera and Kunqu opera for the sake of commemoration.
The singing concert of Peking opera and Kunqu opera on this occasion will bring together famous old, middle-aged and young masters from the three places of Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai. The students of the Chinese Traditional Opera School affiliated to STA will collectively present the show “Style of Peking Opera” as the opening performance of the singing concert with their vigor and vitality. The “five classes and three generations” of performers for the young man’s role headed by Mr Cai Zhengren will gather under one roof showing the unbroken inheritance of Kunqu opera and also constituting the best consolation to old principle Mr Yu Zhenfei. Famous masters of Peking opera including Shang Changrong, Ye Shaolan, Kang Wansheng, Yuan Huiqin, Shi Yihong, Li Jun and An Ping will all participate in this singing concert to show the admiration and remembrance of Mr Yu Zhenfei. Ms Li Qianghua, wife of Mr Yu Zhenfei and famous Peking opera performing artist, will also attend this event.
Talent cultivation is the lifeblood of the inheritance and development of traditional arts like Peking opera and Kunqu opera. The commemoration of Mr. Yu Zhenfei is not only to think back. It is believed that Mr Yu Zhenfei's educational idea and spirit will urge today’s educators of Chinese traditional opera to better complete their own mission and forge ahead.
