Cantonese Opera

MISSING EVERYONE!! Sending my love across the ocean....

Last weekend Eric took us to the Heritage Museum. I have never been there before and think it is a must for any musician, or tourist, to visit while in HK.


On our way, J and I found a gelato stand. Of course bought some! I had raspberry/peach...it was delicious!

The entrance to the museum is filled with this:
a giant dragon used for the New Year Festivities.

The Heritage Museum is filled with galleries of Chinese art, past and present. It also has exhibits on Cantonese Opera. I am currently teaching on unit to the year 3's on heritage, focusing on Cantonese Opera. What better place to learn than at the Heritage Museum! This a traditional entrance decoration. If you notice in the background there is a stage with some fake people on. On the other side of this monstrosity there is usually sitting a god. The performs would often perform for a particular god. They had a special seat for him/her above the crowds so they would have an unobstructed view.


Cantonese Opera is not only about the high pitched singing, it is also about the elaborate costuming. The costumes are made of silk and are usually covered in sequins. They are colorful and usually have a matching head piece. In this picture you will see different head pieces. The jeweled pieces are for royalty, the princess, price, king, queen, etc. The one in the bottom left corner would be worn by a "common person".


My favorite part of the afternoon was this computer station. I had the opportunity to turn myself into a Cantonese Opera Princess...quite funny!!




I also had the rare privilege to watch a live Cantonese Opera performance!!! It was fascinating! There were 2 characters (and a baby doll) with the musicians off stage. Eric told us that the musicians are so skilled that they can change key if the singers changes key. Their movements are so skillful and graceful. Their singing is really an acquired taste. However, this art form is a rare and beautiful display of Chinese culture.