Shanghai to revitalize Kunqu opera

A Kunqu opera-themed concert is set to be held in Shanghai on May 18, Zhang Jun, a renowned Kunqu opera artist in China, announced on March 20.

The concert will combine various musical elements and invite artists of different styles to explain their understanding of Kunqu opera.

This move is expected to add new vitality to the opera and help it recover to its golden time when it attracted thousands of spectators.

The concert is also in celebration of the 17th anniversary of the opera's listing as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001.

The 600-year-old Kunqu opera is the oldest form of Chinese folk opera. It evolved from the Kunshan melody and reached its peak in the 18th century and before waning to the verge of extinction in recent decades.  

Zhang Jun, a renowned Kunqu opera artist in China, announces that a Kunqu opera-themed concert is set to be held in Shanghai on May 18. [Photo/Xinhua]