Traditional opera concert rings in New Year in Shandong

A traditional opera concert, part of the New Year’s gala, was held on Jan 3 at the Shandong Grand Theater in Jinan, capital of East China’s Shandong province, to celebrate the New Year.

During the event, Peking Opera masters Li Weikang and Yu Lan, Huangmei Opera singer Cheng Cheng, and up-and-coming youngsters performed classic opera extracts in a variety of styles.

A traditional opera concert is held on Jan 3 at the Shandong Grand Theater in Jinan, Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswenlian]

Classical Peking Opera excerpts from “Long Feng Cheng Xiang” (prosperity brought by the dragon and the phoenix) are held at the concert. Peking Opera is one of the most dominant forms of Chinese opera, combining music, vocal performances, miming, dancing, and acrobatics. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswenlian]

“Chang Xiang Zhi” (a bosom friend), a classic Liuzi Opera, is staged at the concert. Liuzi Opera consists of a combination of folk melodies and liuzi tunes. It is popular in Shandong, Henan, northern Jiangsu, southern Hebei, and northern Anhui. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswenlian]

Wuyin Opera is performed during the concert. The opera, with a history of more than 200 years, is popular in the cities of Jinan and Zibo, as well as in neighboring areas in central Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswenlian]

Lyu Opera is performed during the concert. Lyu Opera, one of eight major Chinese operas, features a diverse array of tunes, relatable lyrics, and beautiful melodies. It is classified as a Chinese national intangible cultural heritage item. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswenlian]

Liuqin Opera is performed during the concert. This traditional art form originated during the mid-Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and was popular in Jiangsu, Shandong, Anhui, and Henan provinces. It has been an integral part of Linyi’s culture for more than 200 years. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswenlian]

Huangmei Opera is performed at the concert. Huangmei Opera, a traditional rural folk song and dance originating from Anhui province, is popular in China. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswenlian]

The classic Shandong Bangzi (Wooden Clapper Opera) is performed during the concert. [Photo/WeChat account: sdswenlian]