Legendary Buddhist story “Voyage to the East” opera performed by 200-member ensemble in Pasadena

by admin · Published June 9, 2019 · Updated July 19, 2019

Nobody can tell what the audience’s response will be before the Chinese opera performed “Voyage to the East” at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium the evening of June 8th. The ending of the performance was rewarded with a standing ovation from over 3000 audience members.

The Chinese opera “Voyage to the East” created by Master Monk Ganjin’s story is about a Buddhist missionary who travels across the Pacific Ocean from China to Japan, during the years of 743 to 754 AD.

After five failed cross sea voyage attempts, Master Ganjin eventually landed in Japan on the sixth trip. He brought buddhist ritual, Chinese culture, medicine, architecture and engineering knowledge, among other civilization elements to Japan, marking a formal establishment of the Buddhism ordination systems in Japan.

Master Monk Ganjin cast by internationally renowned bass Tian Haojiang

This opera illustrates the story of Ganjin’s missionary journey which was filled with hardship and disparity, and how eventually his mission was completed breaking through geological and cultural barriers.

The Chinese opera “Voyage to the East” is performed by a 200-member ensemble from China Jiangsu Performing Arts Group, that consists of World-renowned opera singers, dancers, actors and actresses and a full orchestra lead by Zheng Zeyun, the president of Jiangsu Performing Arts Group.

According to Zheng: The opera “Voyage to the east” is produced by Jiangsu Performing Arts Group, co-authored by a group of Chinese famous artists such as the composer Tang Jianping, the screenwriter Feng Boming, Feng Bilie, and the director Xing Shimiao. We specially invites the international famous bass singer Tian Haojiang, the young tenor singer Xue Haoyin, the young soprano singer Ke Lyuwa and other famous opera artists in China with the outstanding performers of Jiangsu Performing Arts Group. The opera is performed by the Symphony Orchestra of Jiangsu Performing Arts Group and directed by the outstanding young conductor Cheng Ye.

Before the performance, China consul general Zhang Ping, head consul of culture Gu Jin, California senator LIng ling Chang’s representative Stephanie Hu, and Los Angeles county supervisor Kathryn Barger’s representative Jimmy wu attended the reception.

Buddha’s Light International Association (Hsi Lai Temple) plays the key role to bring this opera on U. S stage.

The opera will also be at the David Koch Theater in Lincoln Center in New York on June 22nd and 23rd.

China consul general Zhang Ping

Head consul of culture Gu Jin (Left) and Zheng Zeyun president of iangsu Performing Arts Group

Zheng Zeyun president of iangsu Performing Arts Group

California senator LIng ling Chang’s representative Stephanie Hu presents recognition certificate to Zheng

Los Angeles county supervisor Kathryn Barger’s representative Jimmy wu presents recognition certificates to Hsi Lai Temple Venerable Hui Dong (Middle) and Zheng