Folk Chinese opera staged in Chicago

The Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra, from East China's Zhejiang province, took up the second half of the performance. Familiar tunes of a variety of folk Chinese operas including Huangmei Opera, Shaoxing Opera, Beijing Opera, Henan Opera and Qin Qiang Opera have reminded overseas Chinese of their homeland.

The orchestra also presented to the audience Uighur folk song of "Lift Your Veil," and popular song "Crossing the River."

Zhou Lifang, director of the Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra, said the goal of the orchestra is to "endow symphony with Chinese characteristics and Chinese music with world tune."

This is the fourth year for the Chicago Symphony Center to stage a grand performance on the event of the Chinese New Year.

Chinese Consul General Hong Lei hailed the show an opportunity for Americans to have an understanding of the Chinese culture.

"The aspiration for good life is exactly the same (for both the Chinese and American peoples)." He hoped that it could be a yearly event.

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to present some of the best artists from China in a program of traditional Chinese music," said Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) President Jeff Alexander.