After making its debut in the United States in 1999, the Anhui Provincial Huangmei Opera Troupe brought what is called "he most beautiful country music in China"to American and Canadian audiences again last Friday.

President of the Anhui Provincial Huangmei Opera Troupe, Jiang Jianguo said that the performance was held at the invitation of the Chinese Ambassadors to Canada and the United States. The tour will cover Vancouver, Toronto, New York, Washington, and Los Angeles, presenting two famous Huangmei operas, The Heavenly Maid and the Mortal, and The Thunderstorm, as well as the highlights of some classical operas.

Huangmei opera originated in the border areas between Anhui, Hubei and Jiangxi provinces. Developed from folk songs with its haunting melodies and its folk culture-laden performances, Huangmei opera is easily understood and popular across China. At present, it has developed into one of China' major local operas and has been introduced to other countries, called Chinese country music overseas.

The Heavenly Maid and the Mortal is the most popular Huangmei opera routine, telling about the love story between a heavenly maid and a poor young man on earth. The two fell in love with each other and overcame all obstacles to get married. Under the help of the maid's friends in Heaven, the two young people are about to tie the knot when the Heavenly King ordered the bride to return to Heaven. The tragic tale is even more thrilling when adapted into a Huangmei opera routine.

The Thunderstorm is adapted from a stage play written by famous Chinese novelist Cao Yu. It recently won the top prize at the Ninth China Opera Festival when performed in Huangmei opera.

 
(Chinanews.com September 27, 2006)