Award-winning Peking Opera star Shi Yihong – a 25th EMBA class graduate from CKGSB and the “first lady of Chinese opera” – has starred in a ground-breaking production of “Farewell My Concubine” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
EMBA Graduate Shi Yihong Plays Lead Role in “Farewell My Concubine” in New York City.
Shi Yihong in imperial stage costume (Image Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Award-winning Peking Opera star Shi Yihong – a 25th EMBA class graduate of Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) and the “first lady of Chinese opera” – has starred in the Shanghai Peking Opera Company’s production of “Farewell My Concubine” at The Astor Court at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
This is the first time the world-renowned Met has participated in a Peking Opera production, marking a major achievement for CKGSB alumni.
The show was made possible with the collaboration of CKGSB’s Professor of Finance Mei Jianping, who helped to produce the show.
Shi stars as Yu Ji (Lady Yu) in this epic story about what happened to the loser and his lover during the last battle for the empire at the end of the Qin Dynasty.
Among the most famous performer of female roles in Peking Opera today, Shi upholds the old tradition of being well-versed in both vocal and acrobatic roles, combining the grace of Kunqu Opera and the energy of Peking Opera into a unique whole. Adapting herself to suit every new role, she assuredly balances loyalty to ancient operatic traditions with the courage to experiment, and her efforts have been rewarded: Shi is the recipient of several major awards, including China’s highest theatrical honor, the Plum Blossom Prize.
“Farewell My Concubine” was a co-production of MetLiveArts, Shanghai Peking Opera Company and Culture Investment Holdings made possible in part by Shanghai HYM Culture & Media Company. The successful production ran from September 15-24, 2017.
