The Cultural Exchange Oasis (CXO) of City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) presented the “Kunqu Opera Ensemble” from 5 to 6 April, inviting actors from the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group Kunqu Troupe (the Troupe) to perform classic excerpts on campus. The performance, attracting nearly 600 members of the community and the University, was also one of the 30th anniversary celebration activities of CityUHK.

In 2008, Kunqu opera was inscribed on the “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. The Troupe is representative of the artistic Kunqu style in southern China. Various Kunqu opera masters performed 10 classic excerpts on the CityUHK stage, including those from The Palace of Eternal Life, The Jade Hairpin and The Peach Blossom Fan.

Professor Chan Chi-hou, Vice-President (Community Engagement) and Chairperson of 30th Anniversary Organising Committee, said in his welcoming speech that CityUHK is committed to nurturing a diverse and enriching environment for both teaching and research. The aim of the “Kunqu Opera Ensemble” is to enhance community interaction and enable the community to enjoy Kunqu opera performance on the CityUHK campus, he added.

He thanked the Troupe for bringing this centuries-old traditional culture to CityUHK and thanked Dr the Hon Sze Chi-ching, GBM, SBS, JP, for his enthusiastic promotion of cultural conservation over the years and generous sponsorship of the Kunqu opera performance.

Mr Li Hongliang, Vice Director of the Jiangsu Performing Arts Group, said the Troupe and CityUHK have been associated for 18 years and share a profound relationship. He praised CityUHK for both its outstanding academic research achievements and its inclusive and open atmosphere. He said he hoped CityUHK’s academic achievements would benefit the world.

Guests at the opening ceremony included Mr Zhang Jidi, veteran Kunqu master, Mr Shi Xiaming, President of the Troupe, Mr Almas Seitakynov, Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong and Macao SARs, PRC, Mr Md Marzuk Islam, Vice Consul of Bangladesh in Hong Kong, Mr Paul Wong Yan-yin, District Officer (Sham Shui Po), Professor Li Wen Jung, Vice-President (Talent and International Strategy) of CityUHK, and Ms Candy Chouk, Director of CXO.

By promoting multicultural exchange, CXO aims to foster an inclusive environment on campus and beyond, further supporting the University's position as a leading global university with a diverse campus community.