The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) yesterday (August 27) held the EdUHK Alumni Cantonese Opera Concert at the Grand Theatre of the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District. The concert was part of the project “The Legacy of Cantonese Arts” and was co-organised by the Research Centre for Transmission of Cantonese Opera (RCTCO) and the Department of Culture and Creative Arts (CCA). The aim of the project is to promote Lingnan arts and Cantonese culture through various activities, and to commemorate the late Dr Kwong Kai-to, who was an EdUHK Honorary Fellow, and a veteran educator, Chinese calligrapher and artist, who devoted his life to the promotion and development of Chinese arts and cultural education.

The opening ceremony was jointly presided over by Dr Frankie Yeung Wai-shing, Vice-Chairman of Hong Kong Arts Development and Chairman of the Xiqu Centre Advisory Panel; Professor John Lee Chi-kin, Vice President (Academic) and Provost of EdUHK, and Chairman of the “The Legacy of Cantonese Arts” Preparatory Committee; Professor Chetwyn Chan Che-hin, Vice President (Research and Development) of EdUHK; and Mr Ngai Shi-shing, a member of the Supervisory Committee of the Dr Kwong Kai-to Memorial Charitable Foundation.

Professor John Lee Chi-kin said, “I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Dr Kwong Kai-to for his unfailing support for the development of the University, which has indeed benefitted countless students. The concert has brought together alumni who love Cantonese opera and provided a platform for them to show their talent. I am looking forward to cooperating with different stakeholders to promote Cantonese Opera to have a greater impact on Hong Kong arts and cultural education.”

Professor Leung Bo-wah, Director of RCTCO, made his stage debut with Cantonese opera artist Ms Ng Miu-sheung in the concert. Professor Leung said, “I was very happy to reunite with many alumni and guests, as we had not seen each other for a long time. I am deeply honoured to be able to participate in this event as a performer. I sincerely hope that it will help foster collaboration between academics and Cantonese opera practitioners."

Please refer to the Chinese version for the names of the alumni and guests who were invited to the performance.

- Ends -