Copacetic relationships strengthen the bond both economically and culturally between countries, and June 2015 marks the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationships between Guangzhou and Vancouver. The “Guangzhou Week” will feature a series of activities in Vancouver. The Guangzhou Cantonese Opera and the Vancouver Cantonese Opera will put on three performances at the end of the month in Vancouver to commemorate the occasion.
“We are keen on strengthening our relationship with China because of our proximity, and because of the people in our city who have come from Guangzhou,” says Raymond Louie, Vancouver’s acting mayor.
The Friendship Society
Cantonese opera performer.| Photo by William Ma.
The Friendship Society, a non-profit organization, was incorporated in 1985 before the signing of the twinning agreement between Vancouver and Guangzhou.
Their objective: to act as a bridge for trade and commerce; cultural and educational exchanges; sports competition; scientific and technological forums; and medical training and research.
For example, the B.C. Children’s Hospital donated equipment to the Guangzhou hospital. Because of this donation, the hospital was able to undertake delicate surgeries. There have also been exchanges between schools.
The Society provides support for missions of the Premier and the Vancouver Mayor in their visits to Guangzhou. Assistance is also provided when the Governor of Guangdong or the Mayor of Guangzhou visits Vancouver or British Columbia, says William Ma, president of the Vancouver-Guangzhou Friendship Society.
“The Vancouver-Guangzhou Friendship Society has worked over 30 years in bridging the City to City relationship, coordinating exchanges annually,” says Ma. “In 2015, we are celebrating the Sister City relationship of 30-year anniversary. We will be conducting cultural exchanges and performances.”
To celebrate this milestone, the Guangzhou Municipal Government will send a delegation. The mayor of Guangzhou, Chen Jianhua, is scheduled to come to Vancouver in June.
“As a follow up exchange program, Mayor Gregor Robertson will go to Guangzhou in November,” says Louie.
Background on Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Troupe
Guangzhou is the original birthplace of the Cantonese Opera. The Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Troupe combines traditional and modern cultural elements. The opera has an extensive and profound history.
“It is enjoyed by both young and old, and appeals to refined and popular tastes,” says Ma, who, with his wife, studied under a famous Chinese Opera teacher from Guangzhou.
In June 2001, the Guangzhou Cantonese Opera Troupe, formerly the Guangzhou Cantonese No.1 Troupe, reorganized to form a new Troupe. Over the next decade, this group of artists developed a unique style; and fame at home and abroad earned them the title as the number one Chinese Cantonese Opera Troupe.
“In 2012, we celebrated the Sister City 27th Anniversary with the Cantonese Opera Troupe in Vancouver. There were 40 artists, for three performances, in front of a full house,” says Ma. “In 2015, we invited over 45 artists. There are new faces, who will perform different shows, for the fans and local community.”
The main actors and actresses who will join the troupe for their Canadian tour are Li Junsheng, renowned Cantonese opera leading actor, and Chen Yunhong, renowned Cantonese opera leading actress.
“These three performances will be performed by all professional artists: to show the local fans the natural and original performance skills,” says Ma. “The Opera Troupe are renowned in Guangzhou,even in whole China. All of them are outstanding artists who are the respected high class performers.”
The troupe has toured many countries, including: the United States, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Macau.
For more information, visit www.vancanopera.com
