On March 3, young Kunqu artist Zhang Ran paid a visit to SUIS Qingpu and delivered a wonderful presentation on Kunqu Opera to teachers and students.
Zhang Ran is a millennial Kunqu Opera artist, a leader among the new generation of Chinese opera singers and a protégée of the first-class performance artist Zhang Xunpeng. Zhang Ran was the winner of the 25th Shanghai Magnolia Theater Performing Arts Award and the “38 Red Flag Bearer” in Shanghai. She has played Du Liniang in “Peony Pavilion” in over 300 performances. Renowned musician Mr Tan Dun highly praised Zhang Ran’s “Peony Pavilion” performances, saying that she was the youngest actress to play Du Liniang and one of the finest to do so.
After being invited onto the stage, Zhang Ran danced the lotus step gracefully while singing the classic chant in “Peony Pavilion”, with the phrase “How to know the colours of Spring without being in the garden?”, a wonderful performance that helped to kick off today’s special speech for the attending teachers and students. Then, in a relaxed and humorous way, she introduced the history and development of Kunqu Opera, its roles and occupations, and its unique music. To the delight of the audience, she also gave an impromptu medley from “Peony Pavilion”, demonstrating why this art form is an important part of the world’s cultural heritage.
Zhang Ran also shared with the teachers and students her growth and experience on the road of learning Kunqu Opera, as well as her understanding and perception of its art. The whole speech was enriching, vivid and interesting, enticing the audience with the fascinating history, culture and traditions of this operatic art form. At the end of her visit, she received a lengthy standing ovation from the students and teachers.
