Dragon’s Voice Beijing Opera Troupe Celebrates Asian Heritage Month in Toronto

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Asian Heritage Culture Festival

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Dragon’s Voice Beijing Opera Troupe Celebrates Asian Heritage Month in Toronto

TORONTO, May 16, 2026

— In celebration of Canada’s Asian Heritage Month, the Dragon’s Voice Beijing Opera Troupe presented a vibrant showcase of traditional Chinese opera at the York Woods Library Theatre in Toronto.

Hosted by Tongle, the performance featured highlights from beloved Beijing Opera classics including Farewell My Concubine, The Unicorn Purse, The Female Generals of the Yang Family, Wujiapo, and Second Entrance to the Palace. Through elegant singing, colorful costumes, stylized movement, martial arts, and live traditional music, audiences experienced the richness of one of China’s oldest performing arts traditions.

The evening brought together performers of different generations and backgrounds, reflecting Dragon’s Voice’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Chinese culture in Canada. A highlight of the event was the performance of Canadian-born teenage artist Qianchen (Amira) in Farewell My Concubine, demonstrating the growing interest in Beijing Opera among younger generations.

The production also featured Dr. Guo Xinxin of the University of Toronto, veteran performers from Toronto and Montreal, and live accompaniment by the Dragon’s Voice Beijing Opera Orchestra using traditional instruments including jinghu, yueqin, and percussion.

Founded by Beijing Opera enthusiasts in Canada, Dragon’s Voice continues to serve as an important community platform for cultural exchange and artistic preservation. The successful performance highlighted the role of traditional arts in enriching Canada’s multicultural society during Asian Heritage Month.

龍聲京劇團在多倫多慶祝加拿大亞裔傳統文化月

2026年5月16日，多倫多——為慶祝加拿大亞裔傳統文化月，龍聲京劇團在多倫多約克伍茲圖書館劇院舉辦了一場精彩紛呈的中國傳統京劇演出。

本次演出由同樂主持，精選上演了多部經典京劇選段，包括《霸王別姬》《麒麟囊》《楊門女將》《武家坡》和《二進宮》。透過婉轉悠揚的唱腔、絢麗多彩的戲服、程式化的身段表演、武術技巧以及現場民族樂隊伴奏，觀眾充分領略了中國最古老表演藝術之一的獨特魅力。

當晚的演出匯聚了不同年齡與傳承背景的演員，體現了龍聲京劇團在加拿大傳承與推廣中華傳統文化的堅定使命。活動的一大亮點是加拿大出生的青少年演員阡辰（Amira）在《霸王別姬》中的精彩表演，展現了年輕一代對京劇藝術日益增長的興趣。

此次演出還邀請了多倫多大學的郭欣欣博士，以及來自多倫多和蒙特利爾的資深演員共同參與，並由龍聲京劇樂隊現場伴奏，使用京胡、月琴和打擊樂等傳統樂器，為演出增添了濃厚的藝術氛圍。

龍聲京劇團由加拿大京劇愛好者創立，持續作為重要的社區文化平台，推動文化交流與傳統藝術傳承。本次成功演出也彰顯了傳統藝術在亞裔傳統文化藝術節期間，為加拿大多元文化社會所帶來的豐富價值。

Host: Tongle

1: “Wujiapo” (武家坡)

Xue Pinggui was originally a beggar in Chang’an during the Tang Dynasty. He was chosen as a husband by Wang Baochuan, the third daughter of Prime Minister Wang Yun, and the two married. Afterward, he joined the army and fought in Xiliang, where he was captured by Princess Daizhan and later married her, eventually becoming the king of Xiliang. Eighteen years later, he returned and reunited with Wang Baochuan at Wujia Slope, where she had faithfully endured years of hardship in a humble cave dwelling. Because they had been separated for so long, Xue Pinggui pretended to ask for directions to test Wang Baochuan’s loyalty before the couple finally recognized each other.

Yang Ping plays Wang Baochuan, and Chen Chao plays Xue Pinggui. Yang Ping is a senior amateur performer with Longsheng and specializes in Mei-school qingyi roles. Chen Chao has loved Peking Opera since childhood, studied under renowned masters, and received the title of one of the “Top Ten Outstanding Amateur Peking Opera Performers” in the Heping Cup competition.

2: “Teaching My Son While Traveling” (行路训子)

A classic laodan (elderly female role) piece, this is the middle section of the full opera The Golden Turtle Story (Jingui Ji). The story tells how Madam Kang suffers after her eldest son, Zhang Xuan, becomes an official and turns unfilial. Her second son, Zhang Yi, goes in search of his brother but is killed by his sister-in-law. After waiting a long time without news, Madam Kang personally travels to Xiangfu County, angrily rebukes her eldest son, and ultimately learns of Zhang Yi’s death.

Madam Kang is played by Jin Liwen, one of Longsheng’s founders and its leading laodan performer. Jin Liwen has loved Peking Opera since childhood and, besides laodan roles, is also skilled in qingyi and xiaosheng roles.

3: “Second Entrance to the Palace” (二进宫)

Second Entrance to the Palace is the central scene from the classic traditional Peking Opera Longfeng Pavilion. Together with Protecting the Nation and Visiting the Imperial Tombs, it forms the famous trilogy known as Da, Tan, Er. The story takes place after the death of the Ming emperor Muzong, when Xu Yanzhao and Yang Bo risk their lives by entering the palace a second time to persuade Consort Li Yan to support the young crown prince and save the nation. Li Yanfei’s aria expresses her despair and regret over wrongly accusing Xu and Yang.

Li Yanfei is played by Guo Xinxin. Dr. Guo holds a PhD and teaches at the University of Toronto. Influenced by her family, she has loved Peking Opera since childhood, specializes in Mei-school qingyi roles, and is the most academically accomplished amateur performer in Longsheng.

4: “Farewell My Concubine” (霸王别姬)

The story of Farewell My Concubine is well known to all. The sword dance scene is the climax of the entire opera. As Xiang Yu, the King of Western Chu, is trapped at Gaixia and surrounded on all sides by enemy songs, Yu Ji performs a sword dance in an attempt to rekindle his fighting spirit. She then takes her own life, hoping he can abandon his emotional attachments and break through the siege to survive.

Yu Ji is portrayed by one of Longsheng’s rising young talents, Qianchen (Amira). Born in Canada, although only in her teens, she has a distinctly Western appearance, speaks fluent Chinese and English, and is a versatile amateur performer skilled in both singing and martial performance.

5: “The Female Generals of the Yang Family” (杨门女将)

The story of the Yang family women warriors is also widely known. The “Birthday Hall” scene is the opening of the opera, contrasting great joy with impending tragedy. The plot centers on the hundred-year-old She Taijun celebrating the fiftieth birthday of her grandson Yang Zongbao, who is guarding the frontier. Tianbo Mansion is filled with lanterns, decorations, and festive cheer.

This aria highlights the gentle and delicate side of Mu Guiying. The role is played by Longsheng’s promising young performer Mingyue.

6: “The Spring and Autumn Match” (春秋配)

During the Ming Dynasty, the merchant Jiang Shao made his living running a pawnshop. After the death of his first wife, he was left with a daughter, Qiulian. Qiulian is frequently abused by her stepmother, Madam Jia. One day, while Jiang Shao is away, Madam Jia forces Qiulian and her nursemaid to gather firewood in the countryside. Missing her deceased mother, Qiulian sings the famous Zhang-school aria “Gathering Firewood.”

Jiang Qiulian is played by Li Han, and the nursemaid is played by Jin Liwen. Li Han is a senior Longsheng amateur performer specializing in Zhang-school qingyi roles and is also one of Longsheng’s founders.

1: “Wujiapo” (武家坡)

2: “Teaching My Son While Traveling” (行路训子)

3: “Second Entrance to the Palace” (二进宫)

4: “Farewell My Concubine” (霸王别姬)

5: “The Female Generals of the Yang Family” (杨门女将)

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This aria highlights the gentle and delicate side of Mu Guiying. The role is played by Longsheng’s promising young performer Mingyue.

6: “The Spring and Autumn Match” (春秋配)

7: “The Unicorn Purse” (锁麟囊)

The Peking Opera The Unicorn Purse is a representative work of the Cheng school. It tells the story of Xue Xiangling, a wealthy young woman who, while traveling to her wedding, encounters a poor bride named Zhao Shouzhen during a rainstorm. Xue generously gives Zhao a purse filled with jewels. Years later, after suffering hardship and losing her fortune, Xue Xiangling is aided in return by Zhao Shouzhen through that very same purse. The opera concludes with the moral that kindness is ultimately rewarded.

The “Reunion” scene is the emotional climax of the opera. Its significance lies not only in the reunion of the Xue and Zhao families, but also in the complete reversal of their fortunes and the dramatic singing passages that elevate the theme of “good deeds bring good rewards.”

Haiyan plays Xue Xiangling. She is a versatile Cheng-school qingyi performer with Longsheng. Not only is she meticulous in her opera performances, but through her family businesses, DJL Cabinets and 3E Building Materials, she has also provided Longsheng with long-term event venues and performance sponsorships. In addition, she enthusiastically helps fellow performers alter costumes and create props and accessories. To date, she has staged many classic Cheng-school opera excerpts.

8: “The Tragedy of the Chu Palace” (楚宫恨)

The Tragedy of the Chu Palace tells the tragic story of King Ping of Chu, who forcibly takes his son’s wife, Princess Qin, while Lady Ma Zhaoyi is compelled to marry the crown prince in her place. Later, under the protection of Wu Zixu, Lady Ma escapes with the young heir, but in the end she throws herself into a well and dies. The central aria, “Holding My Young Child, How Deep My Sorrow,” uses mournful singing to portray the character’s inner anguish and struggle.

Ma Zhaoyi is played by Ye Shaobo. Ye Shaobo is a veteran Peking Opera amateur performer who specializes in the Zhang school and has won major awards in the National Amateur Peking Opera Television Competition.

9: “The Two You Sisters of the Red Chamber” (红楼二尤)

A classic masterpiece showcasing the refined artistry of the Xun school, this opera was adapted and first performed in 1932 by Xun Huisheng based on episodes from the famous novel Dream of the Red Chamber. The opera tells the tragic fate of the sisters You Erjie and You Sanjie within the world of the Red Chamber. In this aria, after learning that her strong-willed younger sister has died for love, You Erjie expresses her profound grief while also placing her hopes in the child she carries, wishing for a happier future. A hallmark of the Xun school is its strong focus on character portrayal, with lively and expressive singing styles and delicate vocal tremolos that make the characters feel vivid and emotionally compelling.

You Erjie is portrayed by Yiling, a senior Longsheng amateur performer. She specializes in Kunqu and draws upon the strengths of various qingyi styles, skillfully expressing characters’ inner emotions through delicate and nuanced singing.

10: “The Black Pot Case” (乌盆记)

Also known as The Tale of the Strange Injustice (Qiyuan Bao), this opera is adapted from the famous case-solving stories of Judge Bao in the classical novel The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants. Liu Shichang, a silk merchant from Nanyang, is returning home after settling his accounts when he is caught in the rain near Dingyuan County and seeks shelter at the kiln home of Zhao Da. Coveting Liu’s money, Zhao Da poisons him with wine and later burns his body into a black clay pot. With the help of the elderly Zhang Biegu, Liu’s spirit is finally able to appeal to Judge Bao and receive justice.

Liu Shichang is played by Su Fang, who has loved Peking Opera and traditional Chinese culture since childhood. In addition to performing, he also serves as Longsheng’s percussionist and electronic drummer, single-handedly supporting the troupe’s martial music section.

Zhang Biegu is played by Zhao Qiutang, who is passionate about many traditional Chinese performing arts and is skilled in xiangsheng (comic dialogue), kuaiban storytelling, and Peking Opera. He specially traveled from Montreal to guest perform in this production.

Some programs in this performance were accompanied live by the Longsheng Peking Opera Orchestra:

Jinghu: Li Xuezhong
Jing’erhu: Luo Cheng
Yueqin: Wang Weidong
Sanxian: Xu Dexiong
Zhongruan: Zhou Jie
Percussion Section: Su Fang

Stage Director: Zhao HongmeiSubtitles: Pan WenzheLighting and Sound: KenProps and Logistics: Wang Yaoming, Feng Ting, Daisy, PeterGeneral Coordination and Planning: Xia Hao

Group photo of all cast and crew:

2026年5月16日在York Wood图书馆剧场演出的剧照。

主持人：同乐

1:《武家坡》

薛平贵原为唐代长安乞丐，后被丞相王允的三女儿王宝钏相中，结为夫妻。婚后从军征战西凉，被代战公主俘获并结为夫妻，后成为西凉国皇帝。十八年后归来与王宝钏相会，在武家坡前遇到苦守寒窑的妻子王宝钏。因离别太久，薛平贵假借问路试探王宝钏的忠贞，最后夫妻相认。

由杨萍饰演王宝钏，陈超饰演薛平贵。杨萍为龙声资深票友，专工梅派青衣。陈超自幼喜爱京剧，曾拜名家为师，并获《和平杯》京剧十大名票称号。

2:《行路训子》

老旦行当经典戏目，是全本《金龟记》的中篇部分。剧情讲述康氏因长子张宣做官后不孝，次子张义前往寻兄反被其嫂害死。康氏久候不归亲往祥符县，痛斥长子并最终得知张义死讯的故事。

由龙声创始人之一，当家老旦金黎雯饰演康氏。金黎雯自幼喜爱京剧，除老旦以外，还擅长饰演青衣、小生等多种角色。

3:《二进宫》

《二进宫》是传统经典京剧《龙凤阁》中的核心一折，与《大保国》、《探皇陵》合称《大、探、二》。剧情讲述明穆宗驾崩后，徐延昭与杨波二人为了辅佐年幼太子，冒死二次进宫谏言李艳妃，最终共同保国的政治故事。其中李艳妃的这段唱，描述了其身处困境、后悔错怪徐杨二人的心理。

由郭新欣饰演李艳妃。郭老师拥有博士学位，是多伦多大学的老师，受家人影响自幼喜爱京剧，专工梅派青衣，是龙声学历最高的票友！

4:《霸王别姬》

霸王别姬的故事，已经家喻户晓。其中的“舞剑”是全剧最高潮。在西楚霸王项羽被围垓下、四面楚歌之际，虞姬用剑舞试图唤起霸王的斗志，并用自刎希望他放下牵挂，突围求生。

饰演虞姬的是龙声的新生力量。阡辰(Amira)出生在加拿大，别看只有十几岁，却是生着一副“洋”面孔，讲着一口流利的中英文，能唱能武的全能票友。

5:《杨门女将》

杨门女将的故事，也是家喻户晓的。其中的“寿堂”一折是全剧的开篇，以大喜衬大悲。剧情讲述百岁佘太君正为镇守边关的孙子杨宗保庆贺五十寿辰，天波府内张灯结彩、喜气盈盈。

这一段唱体现了穆桂英温柔细腻的一方面。由龙声的后起之秀明月饰演穆桂英。

6:《春秋配》

明代商人姜绍以开当铺为业，原配早亡，留下一女秋莲。秋莲常常受继母贾氏虐待，这一日，贾氏乘丈夫外出，逼迫秋莲与乳娘到郊外捡柴，秋莲想念已故的母亲，唱出了张派这一经典唱段《捡柴》。

由李涵饰演姜秋莲，金黎雯饰演乳娘。李涵是龙声资深票友，工张派青衣，是龙声创始人之一。

7:《锁麟囊》

京剧《锁麟囊》是程派代表作，讲述了富家女薛湘灵在出嫁途中遇雨，将装满珠宝的锁麟囊赠予素不相识的贫女赵守贞，多年后经历世态炎凉的薛湘灵落难时，又得赵守贞以当初的锁麟囊相助，终以“善有善报”结局的经典故事。其中的“团圆” 一折，是全剧的高潮，其核心不仅在于薛，赵两家的重逢，更在于通过身份的彻底转化与戏剧性的唱腔，完成了对“善有善报”主题的升华。

由海燕饰演薛湘灵。海燕是龙声多才多艺的程派青衣，她不但票戏一丝不苟，还用自家经营的DJL橱柜和3E建材公司，为龙声提供长期活动场所和演出赞助，并积极热情地帮助其他票友修改戏服，制作道具和配饰，至今已呈演了多场程派折子戏。

8:《楚宫恨》

《楚宫恨》讲述了楚平王强纳子妻秦公主，马昭仪被迫代嫁太子。后在伍子胥保护下，马昭仪携幼主逃亡，最终投井自尽的悲剧故事。核心唱段《怀抱着年幼儿好不伤情》以悲怆唱腔展现了人物内心的挣扎。

由叶少波饰演马昭仪。叶少波为京剧资深票友，专工张派，曾在全国京剧票友电视大赛中荣获大奖。

9:《红楼二尤》

荀派精湛艺术的经典之作，1932年由荀派创始人荀慧生根据名著《红楼梦》中情节编排演出。剧目讲述了尤二姐尤三姐身处红楼悲催命运。这一唱段是尤二姐在得知性情刚烈的妹妹殉情后，表达了内心的悲痛，以及寄希望身怀六甲的自己，会迎来美满生活。荀派特点是一切以角色为主，唱腔鲜活灵动，善用小颤音，让人物形象更加真切、更加入心。