Peking University, Oct. 18, 2013: The auditorium was packed on the opening night of the Peking University Academy of Opera’s original production, titled “Soong Ching-ling”, after patriot who was part of the revolution that established the People’s Republic of China of the same name. For the first time, her life story was depicted in the artistic form traditional opera, and was met with thunderous applause. Governor of Guangdong province Zhu Xiaodan, vice-governor Chen Yunxian, provincial committee member and propaganda chief Tuo Zhen, Head of provincial cultural department Fang Jianhong, Peking University Vice President Wangjie, Head of the Peking University Institute of Industrial Research Chen Dongmin and others attended the premiere.

Stillshot of the opera - Soong Ching-ling and Sun Yat-sen

2013 marks 120^th anniversary since the birth of Soong Ching-ling. She was the second wife of Sun Yat-sen, and was devoted to the revolution from the time of her youth. Her lifelong dedication to the success of the revolution and a better life for the nation gained the respect and admiration of the Chinese people. The opera portrays her life from the time of her marriage to Sun Yat-sen in 1915 until the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. It depicts several of Soong Ching-ling’s important life choices in the midst of the nation’s political instability during that period, characterizing a life full of hardship and struggle, but one of historical significance as well.

The virtuosity of the actors paired with the elegance and professionalism of the accompanying music resulted in an unforgettable artistic delineation of the life of this historical figure.

Post performance group photo including performers and guests of honor

President of the Academy of Opera of Peking University, Jin Man, was the artistic director of the opera and also played the lead role of Soong Ching-ling. The opera was directed by renowned director Li Weizhi. The Guangdong Province Zhujiang Orchestra, members of the Xing Hai Conservatory of Music and various individual artists of the Guangdong province all dedicated to the production.

“Soong Chi-ling” is the first cultural event conducted by Peking University and the Guangdong provincial government jointly. Greatly contributing to the culture and arts development in Guangdong province, it plays a pioneering role in the innovation of art productions with governmental cooperation. Filling a gap for original productions on the opera stage in Guangdong, it also provides Peking University Academy of Opera an opportunity to explore and gain insight into their methods of talent cultivation.