'Farewell My Concubine': Famous Peking Opera closes Meet in Beijing Arts Festival

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Famous Peking Opera artist Zhang Huoding has delivered Farewell My Concubine for the closing performance of the 19th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival. This is the first time for Zhang to present her version of the opera. Our reporter Ding Siyue has more.

Farewell My Concubine tells a sad and beautiful love story between Chu overlord Xiang Yu and his concubine Yu Ji.

It is one of the most famous classical productions in the history of Peking Opera and has moved countless audiences for hundreds of years. In 1921, renowned Peking Opera artist Mei Lanfang presented his version of Farewell My Concubine and won universal praise for the appealing singing and classic sword dance. This time, Zhang Huoding brought her brand new interpretation of the piece.

ZHANG HUODING PEKING OPERA ARTIST "I loved master Mei Lanfang's Farewell My Concubine since I was a little kid. But I didn't get the chance to learn it. So this time, I am really grateful for this opportunity to fulfill my dream."

Zhang Huoding is one of the most renowned Peking Opera performing artists in contemporary times.

She inherits and develops the performing arts of Peking Opera's Cheng School in a creative way. All her singing, reciting and dancing possess the demeanors of great masters. Meanwhile, she also used her singing skills to form her own style and charm to the delight of audience members.

"I heard that Zhang Huoding took 10 years to prepare for this show. As a big fan, I am really excited. I travelled from Hebei to Beijing especially for this performance and waited 21 hours in line just to get a ticket."

"I fell in love with Peking Opera a few years ago when I watched a show about it on TV. I first learned about Zhang Huoding about half a year ago and was immediately drawn to her performances. I really enjoyed her singing."

This is the third time for Zhang Huoding to close the Meet in Beijing Arts Festival. Meet in Beijing is a stage for excellent art as well as a cultural festival for the people. It has gathered performers from all over the world to present the merge of international culture and art.

WANG XIUQIN, CEO CHINA ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT GROUP "Nearly 600 Chinese and foreign artists from 35 countries and regions have participated in this year's Meet in Beijing Arts Festival. We brought to the capital audience over 80 excellent performances, exhibitions and outdoor music festivals."