Farewell my Concubine
Sunday, January 27, 2008 8:00 PM
Avery Fisher Hall
(Please let me know, if you need tickets.)
The Chinese American Inter-Cultural Exchange Foundation (CAIEF) proudly presents the U.S. debut of the new opera, “Farewell My Concubine.” Performed as an opera concert by the China National Opera House, “Farewell My Concubine” is a newly “westernized” version of a much beloved Chinese story. The opera is presented in the traditional Western or Italian style, but sung in Mandarin with English subtitles.
The world premiere of “Farewell My Concubine” was held on Oct. 12, 2007 in Beijing. This U.S. tour marks the first time this music has been heard outside China.
Based on real events and characters from China’s rich history, “Farewell My Concubine” is set at the end of Qin dynasty and tells the story of Xiang Yu, the self-styled "Overlord of Western Chu," who is locked in battle with General Han Xin, who would later become the ruler of the Han people. These two men would decide the fate of China.
Xiang Yu is an expert when it comes to military power, but his dwindling troops are no match against Han Xin’s massive reinforcements.
Sensing defeat, Xiang Yu sends for his favorite concubine, Yu Li. He tries to send her away from the battlefields to some place safe. But she refuses to go. The two begin to reminisce of happier times in their native homeland. And as the two lovers bid a final farewell, Yu Li takes her beloved’s sword and commits suicide. She would rather die at his feet than leave her lover. Xiang Yu buries his beloved in the snow. Then he bows to the east to bid goodbye to his countrymen. Eight thousand troops had followed him into war – and almost all had died on the battlefield. Xiang Yu had lost face. He had lost all reason to live in this world. He had fought valiantly for his country and for his beliefs without compromising his dignity. Now there was only one course of action left.
He draws his sword and kills himself.
This is a classic Chinese tale of passion, valor and patriotism.
“Farewell My Concubine” is a much beloved story in China that has been told through traditional Beijing opera, books, plays and even a movie or two. For the past 18 years renowned Chinese composer Xiao Bai and famed librettist Wang Jian have worked to rewrite, re-score and re-stage this opera in the Western style.
Xiao Bai, 75, said it has been his dream to see his opera performed on stage. “For years I have conducted Western operas in China. The Chinese people have such a deep love of opera. I wanted China to have a world-class opera of its own. So this opera became my dream. Now I want to share this story with the rest of the world.”
Emily Kuo Vong is president of the Chinese American Inter-Cultural Exchange Foundation and producer of this opera. Ms. Vong, who was born in Shanghai, is a Dallas, Texas businesswoman. She has always had a deep appreciation of the arts, particularly music. As a youngster in China, Ms. Vong wrote a series of children’s songs that became very popular.
Xiao Bai and Emily Kuo Vong met 10 years ago, and he quickly became her mentor.
“His dream became my dream,” says Ms. Vong.
Growing up in China and now living in the United States has given Ms. Vong a unique perspective of both countries. She has always felt there was a lack of cultural understanding between the two countries.
In 2007 she created the Chinese American Inter-Cultural Exchange Foundation, a non-profit arts organization to facilitate cross-cultural programming between the U.S. and China.
“Culture knows no geographic, political or racial boundaries,” says Ms. Vong. “I believe that learning more about each other’s culture can only lead to better understanding and tolerance between our two great nations.”
The U.S. tour of “Farewell My Concubine” includes:
War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, Jan. 11, 12 and 13
The Pasadena Civic, Pasadena, Ca., Jan 19, 20
DAR Constitution Hall, Washington, D.C. Jan. 25 *
Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center, New York, Jan. 27 *
Cullen Theater in the Wortham Center, Houston, Jan 30, 31 *
Eisemann Center, Dallas, Feb. 5, 6
