Chamber concert version of the Peking Opera classic to debut in Shanghai
Shi Yihong plays Consort Yu ( Xiang Yu's concubine) in “Farewell My Concubine.”
Peking Opera artist Shi Yihong will present a new take on the Peking Opera classic “Farewell My Concubine” this month in Shanghai, the first time Peking Opera and chamber music will be combined in China.
The show will premiere on December 15 at Shanghai Tower. Only 100 seats will be available.
It is a collaboration between HYM Cultural Media and Baoku Art Center.
Shi, 44, a versatile performer from Shanghai Peking Opera Company, is acclaimed for her elegance and all-round ability on stage. She is one of the few Peking Opera performers who are also skilled in Kunqu Opera.
According to Shi, the classic “Farewell My Concubine” has been staged several times in Western countries. Though many audiences spoke highly of its artistry, some were not accustomed to the loud sounds of the instrumental accompaniment of fiddle, drums and gongs.
The chamber concert version will have a more appropriate and audibly stunning design for its percussion accompaniment to offer foreign audience a more comfortable experience.
Famous composer Jin Fuzai said that he will write specific scores to portray the varied personalities of the characters.
The show is also considered an innovative attempt at making traditional Chinese theater more accessible to foreign audiences. There are also plans for the show to be staged overseas in the future.
Performance details
Date: December 15, 7:30pm
Tickets: 2,000 yuan
Venue: 37/F, Shanghai Tower
Address: 501 Yincheng Rd M., Pudong New Area
Peking Opera artist Shi Yihong
Shi's version of Consort Yu
