The U.S. debut of the first Western-style interpretation of the classic Chinese opera, "Farewell My Concubine," a newly-scored opera, is one of the rare times that an original Chinese opera will be performed in the U.S. by a Chinese cast and sung in Mandarin. The well-known Chinese love story was also the inspiration for a play, a novel, and a 1993 Oscar-nominated movie.
Behind the Western-style production of "Farewell My Concubine" is renowned Chinese composer and conductor Xiao Bai. For the past 18 years, Xiao Bai labored to score a Western version of the traditional Chinese story, with the dream of one day presenting his opera to an international audience.
To Westernize the opera, Xiao Bai worked with famed librettist Wang Jian. Together, the two artists developed a new production distinct from traditional "Beijing-style" opera (incorporating instrumental music, vocal performance, pantomime, dance and acrobatics). The Western version of "Farewell My Concubine" captures the framework of a classic Italian opera, but is sung entirely in Mandarin. The performances will include English subtitles.
"Farewell My Concubine" is based on real events and characters from 2,200 years ago in China. Set at the end of the Qin dynasty, the love story revolves around the heroic warrior, Xiang Yu, and his beloved concubine, Yu Ji. The story remains very popular today, and almost everyone in present-day China is familiar with its theme, characters and ill-fated romance.
With the support of Emily Kuo Vong and CAICE Foundation, a Dallas-based non-profit organization promoting cultural exchange and understanding between China and the U.S. through the arts, Xiao Bai and the China National Opera House are presenting, for the first time, the Western interpretation of "Farewell My Concubine" outside of China.
Kuo Vong is staging this Western interpretation of "Farewell My Concubine" as a tribute to her musical mentor, Xiao Bai. A graduate of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Kuo Vong is a professional musician and conductor in China and the United States.
"Xiao Bai and I both believe that culture knows no political, geographic or social barriers," says Kuo Vong, chairman of CAICE Foundation. "Through CAICE Foundation, I hope to introduce to Americans a deep and well-respected appreciation of China's rich cultural legacy. Bringing the China National Opera and this production of "Farewell My Concubine" to America is the first step in bringing together cultural enthusiasts and opera lovers from both sides of the Pacific."
This tour also marks the inaugural appearance of China National Opera House, one of China's premier arts groups, in the United States.
The new, Westernized production of "Farewell My Concubine" staged its world premiere in Beijing in October 2007, and will be performing in six cities across the United States in 2008:
-- January 11, 12 and 13 -- War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, CA
-- January 19, 20 -- The Pasadena Civic, Pasadena, CA
-- January 25 -- DAR Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C.*
-- January 27 -- Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, New York, NY*
-- January 30, 31 -- The Cullen Theater at the Wortham Center, Houston, TX*
-- February 5, 6 -- Eisemann Center, Dallas, TX
* Concert-style production
Resources
- Farewell My Concubine (USA site)
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