Peking Opera 'Farewell My Concubine' concludes Meet in Beijing Arts Festival
By Ding Siyue
["china"]
03:01
Famous Peking Opera artist Zhang Huoding performed "Farewell my Concubine" as the concluding act of the 19th Meet in Beijing Arts Festival. 
"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.
Famous Peking Opera artist Zhang Huoding performs "Farewell My Concubine" at the Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, Beijing, May 26, 2019. /CGTN Photo

Famous Peking Opera artist Zhang Huoding performs "Farewell My Concubine" at the Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, Beijing, May 26, 2019. /CGTN Photo

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 brought her brand new interpretation of the piece.
"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," said Zhang.
Zhang 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 demeanor of great masters. Meanwhile, she also used her singing skills to form her own style and charm, to the delight of audience members.
Famous Peking Opera artist Zhang Huoding (L) performs "Farewell My Concubine" at the Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, Beijing, May 26, 2019. /CGTN Photo

Famous Peking Opera artist Zhang Huoding (L) performs "Farewell My Concubine" at the Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, Beijing, May 26, 2019. /CGTN Photo

"I heard that Zhang Huoding took 10 years to prepare for this show. As a big fan, I am really excited. I traveled from Hebei to Beijing especially for this performance and waited 21 hours in line just to get a ticket," said one boy from the audience. 
This is the third time Zhang has performed the closing act of 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.
According to Wang Xiuqin, CEO of China Arts and Entertainment Group, nearly 600 Chinese and foreign artists from 35 countries and regions participated in this year's Meet in Beijing Arts Festival, bringing over 80 excellent performances, exhibitions and outdoor music festivals.
The Meet in Beijing Art Festival aims to build two platforms, one for high-quality international shows to come to China and another for bringing Chinese art to the world.
This year's festival also coincided with the Asian Culture Festival. Together, the performances aimed to present the culture diversity of Asian countries.