Past Events
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The Music of Cantonese Opera
10.12.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk explores the wide range of musical elements used in Cantonese opera, looking at the different vocal styles used for male and female roles, and the use of percussive instruments and rhythmic melodies to enhance mood and narrative
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International Symposium on the Transmission of Cantonese Opera and Traditional Music 2019
05.12.2019 to 06.12.2019, Seminar Hall and Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre
This two-day symposium invites regional and international scholars, researchers, ethnomusicologists and practitioners to share and discuss successful practices in the inheritance, education and creative developments of xiqu arts in a wide range of educational and social contexts
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Contemporary Classical Music Exchange Programme
31.10.2019 to 01.11.2019, The Room, Freespace
Six composers from Taiwan and Hong Kong join us for a two-day artistic exchange. The event includes a free public seminar on current developments in contemporary classical music in the region and free concert and sharing session on the process of composing
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Chinese Culture Talk Series IV
28.08.2019 to 30.10.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this series of expert talks, renowned academics and artists including Ou Da-wei, Dr Otto Lee, and Tony Miller introduce some of the ancient arts of Chinese literati and scholar-officials
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Cantonese Opera and Modernity
26.10.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Prof Li looks at Cantonese opera in the social context of modern Hong Kong, and examines how elements of Western modern music, literature and film culture have been adapted for use in this traditional performing art form
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Dunhuang Murals: Ancient Depictions of Daily Life
23.10.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Special Researcher of Dunhuang Academy Lee Mei-yin will introduce the history and cultural background of Dunhuang. Using photographic illustrations of the precious Dunhuang murals, Lee looks at the folk customs of the ancient people and explores their relationship with modern cultures
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Five Artists: Sites Encountered
07.06.2019 to 20.10.2019, M+ Pavilion, Art Park
Five Artists: Sites Encountered brings together an international group of artists whose varied approaches offer ways to rethink ideas of site and place
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What is Stage: Space as Poetry
01.07.2019 to 27.09.2019, The Box & The Room, Freespace
This September, renowned German stage and costume designer Anna Viebrock joins us for a public seminar and five-day artist workshop on how stage design goes beyond space. In preparation for the workshop, Edward Lam introduces Viebrock’s work with a public talk and series of professional screenings exploring the aesthetics of some of her most important opera and stage productions
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The Music of Cantonese Opera
24.09.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk explores the wide range of musical elements used in Cantonese opera, looking at the different vocal styles used for male and female roles, and the use of percussive instruments and rhythmic melodies to enhance mood and narrative
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The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera
10.09.2019 to 17.09.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In two separate talks, experienced Cantonese opera performers look at how acting, martial arts and dance are combined in Cantonese opera to create patterns of formulaic gesture that contribute to the unfolding of plot and help define character for male and female roles
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Memorial Talk Series Commemorating Wong Yuet-sang, Maestro of Cantonese Music Culture
11.08.2019 to 15.09.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Wong Yuet-sang, maestro of Cantonese music culture in Hong Kong, the Xiqu Centre and the Centre for Chinese Music Studies of the CUHK present a series of talks on his work
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Youth & Art Festival – Autumn
14.09.2019, Art Park
Youth & Art Festival – Autumn, co-organized by Yau Tsim Mong District Organizing Committee on Cultural Arts Events and Yau Tsim Mong District Office, will be held on 14 September 2019 at West Kowloon Art Park Harborside Lawn, provide a platform for the local art creators through different activities
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Introducing Cantonese Opera Music: What is Erhuang?
08.09.2019 to 11.09.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
The talk scheduled on 8 & 11 September 2019 (Sunday and Wednesday) is cancelled. Programme Enquiries: (852) 2200 0804
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Seminar: The Innovation and Conservation of Cantonese Opera
07.09.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
The seminar scheduled on 7 September 2019 (Saturday) is cancelled. Programme Enquiries: (852) 2200 0441
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Work-in-progress: Every Time You Walk into Our Class
06.08.2019 to 18.08.2019, The Room, Freespace
This August, Edward Lam Dance Theatre presents their first work-in-progress series in which Taiwanese actor Shih Yi-hsiu and a small audience of 60 people interact to shape both content and performance. Blending workshop and presentation, Shih Yi-hsiu revisits the role of teacher, this time with the audience as his students
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Screening: Teachers and Students
02.08.2019 to 16.08.2019, The Room, Freespace
Co-curated by Edward Lam, this screening series features seven international films on teachers, students and education. Looking at the role of schooling beyond transmission of knowledge, it presents a range of perspectives on how our minds and hearts are shaped during our formative years
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Screening: Edward Lam Dance Theatre – Four Works
03.08.2019 to 04.08.2019, The Room, Freespace
Edward Lam Dance Theatre showcases four of the company’s original stage works written between 1997, the year of the handover, and 2000, the year of extensive educational reforms in Hong Kong – two events that had a major impact on the dreams and aspirations of the young people of Hong Kong
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Cantonese Opera and Kunqu: Major Works
03.08.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Chinese opera scholar Chan Chun-miu uses audio and video demonstrations to illustrate and compare the literary styles of a selection of Kunqu and Cantonese opera works with similar themes
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Love or Hate: Dowager Xiao-Zhuang and Dorgon
01.08.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
To accompany GuoGuang Opera Company’s production of Dowager Xiao-Zhuang and Dorgon, lead cast members – Wei Hai-min (Dowager Xiao-Zhuang) and Tang Wen-hwua (Dorgan) – join us for a pre-performance discussion and sharing session about their work and the relationship between their characters
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Chinese Culture Talk Series III
26.06.2019 to 31.07.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Throughout history, tea and incense have played an important part in traditional Chinese culture. This series of talks looks at the historic and contemporary cultural uses of incense and tea, and explores their aesthetic and ritual significance
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The Heartless Men of Cantonese Opera
25.06.2019 to 23.07.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this series of two talks, theatre practitioner and critic Dr Cheung Ping-kuen examines the psychological and emotional journeys of some of Cantonese opera’s iconic “heartless men”, looking at the motivation behind their behaviour, and exploring the relevance of these characters for modern day audiences
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Cantopop and Local Indie Music in the Digital Era
16.07.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Stella Lau, former Programme Director in Performing Arts at HKU SPACE, explores the Hong Kong recording industry, the evolution of Cantopop, the characteristics of mainstream and indie music and the challenges and opportunities that the digital era has opened up for local pop music culture
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Kunqu: Portrayals of Human Nature
06.07.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Chinese opera scholar Chan Chun-miu looks at the development of Kunqu productions over time, and explores how stories of life and human nature have become central themes for the genre
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Victor Fung in Residence – From The Top (Final Edit)
29.06.2019, The Room, Freespace
This work-in-progress presentation explores the interdependence of choreographers and dancers and offers a witty and beguiling take on the everyday life of dance artists and what it means to make art
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Seminar on the Culture of Ritual Opera Performance
23.06.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Through four expert talks, this seminar explores regional and ethnic variations in the genre, style and practice of ritual opera culture in Hong Kong, Guangdong, Chaoshan and Hailufeng
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The Face Painting, Costumes and Props of Kunqu
22.06.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
Exploring the makeup and costumes of different role-types and characters, Chinese opera scholar Chan Chun-miu looks at how stage presentation lends richness and meaning to Kunqu performances
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The History of Hong Kong Indie Music: 1980s–2010s
18.06.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Stella Lau, former Programme Director in Performing Arts at HKU SPACE, looks at the development of indie music in Hong Kong from the 1980s to the 2010s in relation to social development and post-handover culture in Hong Kong
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Choreographic Landscapes
07.06.2019 to 12.06.2019, The Room, Freespace
French choreographer Christian Rizzo joins us to lead a five-day professional workshop for dancers and visual artists on choreographic compositions and the relationship between movement, performance and space. The collaboration opens with a public discussion on his work and the importance of emptiness as a space for imagination
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The Face Painting and Costumes of Cantonese Opera
04.06.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
This talk looks at the face painting and dressing processes used in contemporary Cantonese opera, and at the ways in which costumes contribute to the portrayal of different characters
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ExecLab: Executive Short Courses 2019 – University of the Arts London
31.05.2019 to 02.06.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre
Presented in collaboration with the University of the Arts London Short Courses, this three-day professional course offers insight into the skills required for managing arts and cultural events and developing sustainable creative business
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The Music of Cantonese Opera
01.06.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Professor Yu Siu-wah examines the concepts and characteristics of Cantonese opera music, offers insight into basic structures and arrangements, and discusses some of the transformations that have taken place over the centuries
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Ming Furniture
29.05.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this illustrated talk, renowned local Ming furniture expert Dr Yip Shing-yiu offers insight into the artistry, style and development of some of the finest Chinese furniture design
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Reading Cantonese Music Notation
28.05.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, members of the arts group The Gong Strikes One demonstrate how to read traditional gongche music sheets and perform live on the zheng (Chinese zither) and dongxiao (bamboo flute)
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The Musicality of Kunqu
25.05.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Dr Chan Chun-miu offers audiences insight into the distinctive sounds and melodies of the Kunqu art form, exploring the relationship between the use of dialects and the evolution of the art form, and the way that music and language is used to highlight different roles and characters
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Indie Music – An International Perspective
21.05.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Using examples from the US and Britain, Stella Lau, former Programme Director in Performing Arts at HKU SPACE, explores the musical, social and economic relationships that underpin independent music labels, and whether independent artists who become popular in the mainstream can still be labelled “indie”
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Dialogue | Cantonese Opera
07.05.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Cantonese opera plays an important role in the lives of people in Hong Kong. This talk explores its transition from the use of Mandarin to the Cantonese vernacular, demonstrating vocal styles and techniques and offering a deeper understanding of the aesthetic features of the art form
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Cantonese Opera and Modernity
04.05.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk looks at Cantonese opera in the social context of modern Hong Kong, and examines how elements of western-modern music, literature and film culture have been adapted for use in the traditional performing art form
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The Literature in Kunqu
30.04.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Chinese opera scholar Chan Chun-miu looks at some of the literary texts used in Kunqu, and shares insight into Kunqu influence on xiqu songs and performance
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Between Cantonese Opera and Film: Connie Chan and Female Cross-dressing
27.04.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio, Xiqu Centre
Since the post-war years, the convention of nüwenwusheng – female performers playing civil and military male roles – in Cantonese opera has been a popular practice in Hong Kong. In this talk, Prof Li Siu-leung looks at the recent history of female cross-dressing in Hong Kong Cantonese opera and film, with special reference to Connie Chan Po-chu
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Chinese Culture Talk Series II
27.02.2019 to 24.04.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this series of three talks, local experts share their understanding of poetry, calligraphy and the ancient Chinese divination text the I Ching, and explore the relevance of traditional literary arts in a contemporary society
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Noguchi for Danh Vo: Counterpoint
16.11.2018 to 22.04.2019, M+ Pavilion, West Kowloon
The exhibition presents art and design works by the celebrated modern sculptor Isamu Noguchi in dialogue with newly created work by Danh Vo, one of the most critically acclaimed conceptual artists active today
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The Stories Behind the Xiqu Centre
09.04.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, West Kowloon’s Executive Director of Performing Arts Louis Yu offers insight into the design and venue positioning of the Xiqu Centre, looking at the venue’s unusual use of space and its relationship with local Cantonese opera communities
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The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera
06.04.2019, Seminar Hall & Studio 5, Xiqu Centre
This talk looks at how acting, martial arts and dance are combined in Cantonese opera stage movement to create patterns of formulaic gesture that help define character and contribute to the unfolding of plot
Past event -
The Music of Cantonese Opera
02.04.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk explores the wide range of musical elements used in Cantonese opera, looking at the different vocal styles used for male and female roles, and the use of percussive instruments and rhythmic melodies to enhance mood and narrative
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Open Up Tuen Mun @ West Kowloon
24.03.2019, Art Park, West Kowloon
Join us and experience the transformation and vitality of Tuen Mun District! A community engagement event to present the local characteristics, art and culture of Tuen Mun from the perspective of past, present and future
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Crossover Lab Initiative
23.02.2019 to 24.03.2019, Art Park
To promote the distinct cultural characteristics and iconic attractions of Hong Kong’s local districts to a wider audience, West Kowloon is hosting a series of “Crossover Lab Initiative” events in collaboration with District Councils
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Eastern Ethos Express @ West Kowloon
17.03.2019, Art Park, West Kowloon
Come and get a taste of the characteristics of Eastern District and West Kowloon! A community engagement event to share the precious community memory and invite general public to explore the uniqueness of the districts
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ExecLab: Executive Short Courses 2019 – RADA Business
15.03.2019 to 17.03.2019, Studio, Xiqu Centre
Working closely with RADA Business, the commercial arm of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), the world-class learning programme builds on dramatic arts, helping people at work to become brilliant communicators
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Freespace Happening (9–10.3.2019)
09.03.2019 to 10.03.2019, Art Park, West Kowloon
To wrap up the last weekend of this season’s Freespace Happening in style, our music stage offers a great mix of sounds from round the globe: Indonesian duo Senyawa, French avant-garde band Las Aves, US ensemble Mik Nawooj with Hong Kong’s MC Yan and musicians and much, much more!
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WE Dance (2018-19)
09.09.2018 to 10.03.2019, Art Park, West Kowloon
This September, WE Dance returns to the West Kowloon Art Park with Freespace Happening, to take you on a seven-month dance journey from September 2018 to March 2019
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The Application of Nanyin in Cantonese Opera
05.03.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Looking at popular nanyin excerpts, this talk explores the history and evolution of nanyin, a form of Cantonese narrative singing, as one of the delivery styles used in Cantonese opera
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The Melodies of Nanyin
26.02.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, members of the arts group The Gong Strikes One illustrate with live demonstrations how the vocal and instrumental melodies of nanyin are created and developed based on the lyrics
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Kowloon City Art Festival @ West Kowloon
23.02.2019 to 24.02.2019, Art Park, West Kowloon
Join us to explore the vitality of Kowloon City District and West Kowloon! A community engagement event in the themes of creativity, education and sharing with a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Learn more about the uniqueness of Kowloon City and West Kowloon
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Face Painting and Costumes of Cantonese Opera
02.02.2019 to 23.02.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk looks at the face painting and dressing processes used in contemporary Cantonese opera, and at the ways in which costumes contribute to the portrayal of different characters
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Freespace Happening (10.2.2019)
10.02.2019, Art Park, West Kowloon
Join us to celebrate the first weekend of the Year of the Pig with live music from GDJYB, tfvsjs, Milkmouth, DJ sets from Solar Sound System, indigenous dance from Taiwan, valentine bouquet and stone painting workshops, story-telling and drawing sessions about fish ponds and local birds, pet games and more
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The Stage Movements of Cantonese Opera
26.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
This talk looks at how acting, martial arts and dance are combined in Cantonese opera stage movement to create patterns of formulaic gesture that help define character and contribute to the unfolding of plot
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The “Analects” in Cantonese Opera
24.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
In this talk, Cantonese opera playwright Woo Kwok-yin shares insight into the creative process behind his work The Peregrinations of Confucius, and explores how xiqu as a multidisciplinary art form can breathe new life and relevancy into classic texts
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Freespace Happening (13.1.2019)
13.01.2019, Art Park, West Kowloon
Join us to welcome the new year with live music, dance and fun workshops! The eclectic line-up includes Cris Derksen Trio from Canada, David Boring, Dusty Bottle, Winter Bagels and Mo-Men-T x Experimental Vocal Ensemble from Hong Kong. Learn fun facts about food at the “Open Picnic: Eat Well” and more
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Cantonese Opera and Cinema
06.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Between 1940 and 1970, a large number of stars from the Cantonese opera stage entered the film industry in Hong Kong. This talk looks at the impact of this phenomenon, and the importance of Cantonese opera films as historical records of performances from that era
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Pre-opening Gala Film Screenings
30.12.2018 to 06.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
To complement our Grand Theatre performances we present five Cantonese opera films produced between 1957 and 2011 and featuring some of the legends of the golden age of Cantonese opera film
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Pre-opening Gala Guided Tours
30.12.2018 to 06.01.2019, Xiqu Centre
Explore our new facilities and discover fun facts about the rich art of xiqu on our 60-minute guided tours
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Cantonese Opera in the Hong Kong Religious Context
05.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Professor Chan Sau-yan, expert on the musical structure, performance practice, ethnographic and historical aspects of Cantonese opera, looks at the tradition of religious operas in Hong Kong, and the challenges of preserving an ancient art form in a market-oriented economy
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Perfect Wives in Cantonese Operas
04.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Cantonese operas are often based on stories of love and married life. The wives in these tales may be meek and loving or powerful and cunning. This talk looks at some of the Xiqu Centre opening performances to explore what makes a “perfect wife” on the Cantonese opera stage
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The Functions and Practice of Xiaoqu (short tunes) in Cantonese Opera
03.01.2019, Seminar Hall, Xiqu Centre
Melodic and song-like, xiaoqu can incorporate traditional instrumental melodies, folk songs, contemporary pop songs and even theme tunes from films and TV shows. This talk explores the origins and development of xiaoqu and its unique function in Cantonese opera
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