[CityUHK Student ArtFest 2025] Chinese Music Concert: New Sounds of Cantonese Opera explores new dimensions of Cantonese music

City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) presented the grand finale of the CityUHK Student ArtFest 2025, with the concert New Sounds of Cantonese Opera, on 6 November. The show featured a collaboration between the CityUHK Chinese Orchestra and CityUHK Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine student and Cantonese opera performer Yemina Yu Chung-yan. Together, they offered a fresh interpretation of Cantonese music, showcasing the younger generation’s dedication to preserving and innovating traditional arts.

The concert opened with powerful performances by the orchestra, including Weaving a Rainbow Miles Long and Thunder in a Drought. Yemina then performed several classic Cantonese opera pieces, joined by veteran artists Mr Liang Zhenwen and Mr Chan Ting-pong. They performed well-loved works such as A Royal Quarrel, Rain-soaked Clothes and The Fragrant Death, captivating attendees of all ages with the elegant charm of Cantonese music.

For this performance, Yemina specially created the composition Heartfelt Voices in Cantonese Melody, based on the classic tune Autumn Moon on a Placid Lake, with new lyrics by Cantonese opera playwright Ms Fiona Wong Chi-hung. The song expresses strong campus sentiments, reflecting Yemina’s six-year learning journey at CityUHK. Drawing on the imagery of the changing seasons, the lyrics depict the students’ study experiences, the mutual encouragement with teachers and friends, and Yemina’s deep passion for Cantonese opera.

Yemina shared, “Throughout my six years at CityUHK, I keep on pursuing my love for Cantonese opera and music. While focusing on my studies, I have also cultivated my artistic interests. This piece serves as both a cherished memoir of my time here and a heartfelt thank you to my university.”

Yemina (centre) performs several classic Cantonese opera pieces, joined by Mr Liang (left) and Mr Chan (right).

 

Another highlight was the surprise premiere of A Courageous Heart and a Feminine Attire, co-performed by Yemina and Mr Chan. This brand-new work, incorporating various modern musical elements and featuring a wide vocal range, posed a demanding challenge when performed with the orchestra. Its blend of traditional Cantonese music and contemporary artistic flair drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Yemina has been passionate about Cantonese opera since childhood. While studying at McGill University in Canada, she founded the university’s first Chinese orchestra to promote traditional music. After returning to Hong Kong, she actively promoted Cantonese opera and Nanyin music and founded the Yem Opera Studio, engaging in diverse performances and outreach activities to sustain and innovate the culture. Simultaneously, she has pursued her academic studies in CityUHK’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine programme.

Although veterinary science and Cantonese opera may seem worlds apart, Yemina pointed out common ground between the two. “Veterinary medicine requires deep reasoning and analysis, as many diseases are difficult to diagnose and demand thorough thinking. Similarly, Cantonese opera singing requires careful attention to vocal techniques and expression. The mindset and skills cultivated in both disciplines complement each other,” she explained.

Yemina has been passionate about Cantonese opera since childhood.

 

Yemina expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the entire CityUHK Student ArtFest team for their dedication and efforts, which contributed to the concert’s success. She also thanked CityUHK for supporting her academic and artistic pursuits, allowing her to balance both passions. Honoured as a “CityUHK Hero” and a role model for her peers, she hopes this performance will bring Cantonese music closer to campus life and inspire more students to appreciate its artistic richness.

With the triumphant conclusion of the concert, the CityUHK Student ArtFest 2025 drew to a close amid strong support from students, faculty and the public, with total attendance across all performances surpassing 4,220. CityUHK remains committed to promoting artistic heritage and supporting the diverse development of local culture, enriching the University’s vibrant cultural atmosphere.

The CityUHK Student ArtFest first began in 2015, comprising concerts, musicals, and various performing arts performances. Connecting passionate students with professional artists, ArtFest not only gives CityUHK performers a platform to shine and show off their full talents, but also connects the wider CityUHK community through a united love for arts and culture, bringing much joy and colour to campus life.