Oever, a cultural organization based in California, hosted a series of special performances and programs in New York in collaboration with UCT Art Center, Memor Museum, Columbia University and New York University centered on promoting China's intangible cultural heritage and fostering cross-cultural understanding, supporting peace, harmony, and friendship among people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Oever, a cultural organization based in California, hosted a series of special performances and programs in New York in collaboration with UCT Art Center, Memor Museum, Columbia University and New York University centered on promoting China's intangible cultural heritage and fostering cross-cultural understanding, supporting peace, harmony, and friendship among people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
From January 17-21, 2025 a program of three thematic events opened with "National Treasures Meet National Essence" at Memor Museum where the fusion of Peking Opera and archeological treasures from Sanxingdui, an ancient civilization in Southwest China created a cross-cultural artistic feast. Coordinated by Li Ming, vice president of Tianjin Art Vocational College, the program included talks on cultural inheritance and creative integration by Oever Founder Meng Shi and Madame Viki of Memor Museum, followed by a performance of Peking Opera excerpts from the classic repertoire led by maestro Shi Xiaoliang (Principal of Sunrise Peking Opera Institute, China National First-Class Performer, and Plum Blossom Award Winner) and Zhao Xiujun, president of Tianjin Youth Peking Opera Troupe with eight junior Peking Opera performers.
Organized in collaboration with the UCT Art Center, "Fostering Sino-U.S. Cultural Exchange, Preserving the Peking Opera, and Advancing Quality Education for a Sustainable Future," a themed performance at the United Nations Headquarters showcased the unique charm of Peking Opera to an international audience through classic excerpts and collaborations with local artists, bringing together UN representatives, local media figures, and Professors from Cornell University and other academic organizations. The event introduced a distinguished delegation of Peking Opera artists, including Zhao Xiujun (China National First-Class Performer and Plum Blossom Award Winner), Li Ming (Vice President and China National First-Class Performer), Shi Xiaoliang, and an ensemble of young Chinese performers.
The performances featured iconic pieces such as The White-Bowed Hero Xu Liang (白眉大侠徐良), Descending the Mountain Together (双下山), The Tale of the Black Pot (乌盆记), Farewell My Concubine (霸王别姬), The Drunken Concubine (贵妃醉酒), and Three Times Stealing the Nine-Dragon Goblet (三盗九龙杯). Their artistry and storytelling alongside renowned American violinists and vocalists captivated an audience of United Nations representatives in New York. Their mission was to share the artistic beauty of Peking Opera while promoting cultural understanding and collaboration.
Oever Founder Meng Shi remarked, "Peking Opera integrates vocals, dance, acrobatics, martial arts, and elaborate costumes, offering a rich expression of cultural heritage. Bringing this art form to an international platform reflects our commitment to preserving and promoting intangible cultural traditions."
This event exemplified the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4: "Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all." Shi Xiaoliang emphasized the critical importance of providing young artists with international platforms. Such opportunities not only deepen their understanding of Peking Opera's pivotal role in cultural diplomacy but also allow them to showcase their exceptional talents to a global audience. This approach fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity and underscores the transformative power of education in building sustainable societies. Before the performances, the Chinese delegation, accompanied by Li Yiling, President of the UCT Art Center toured the UN headquarters. They exchanged gifts symbolizing peace and friendship, encouraging the young performers to embrace their roles as cultural ambassadors. Oever and the UCT Art Center, plan to continue exploring innovative ways to share Chinese culture with the world.
At Columbia University and New York University, "Echoes of Eternity: Peking Opera Seminar" aimed to enhance cultural exchange between China and the United States through classic Peking Opera performances and cultural explanations, offering attendees a rare experience of traditional Chinese art. During the program, Shi Xiaoliang led eight young performers in presenting captivating renditions of classic Peking Opera excerpts to the students and faculty. Following the performances, Shi engaged in in-depth discussions with professors and students from both universities, exploring the integration of Eastern and Western, as well as traditional and contemporary, performing arts.
Bowen Zheng, founder of the NYU Chinese Artists Association (NYUCAA), and a professional voice artist and international concert/show producer, remarked "I'm thrilled to have these young artists performing Peking Opera at NYU. Their singing, acrobatics, and martial arts were absolutely impressive. I hope to create more platforms and opportunities to showcase, collaborate, and explore various music, art, and cultures."
Professor Jamon Maple, Global Music Ambassador, TV Personality, International Recording Artist (K-pop), Professor of Voice & Vocal Pedagogy, and Associate Director of the Contemporary Voice Workshop at New York University, commented "We had a fantastic event at NYU with the Peking Opera group, who delivered a stunning performance that showcased their rich musical and cultural traditions. We followed this with an insightful roundtable discussion on cross-cultural performance and learning, exchanging ideas about artistry across different traditions. It was a truly beautiful and enriching experience."
This five-day program brought to life the heritage and innovation of Peking Opera and exemplified the power of cultural diplomacy in bridging divides and fostering mutual understanding between nations.
About Oever
Oever LLC is a culture and media organization committed to celebrating and advancing cultural heritage. By collaborating with world-class performing troupes, cultural institutions, and master artisans, Oever reimagines classic traditions for today's audiences. Through immersive performances, curated exhibitions, and engaging workshops, Oever invites people everywhere to experience and honor humanity's shared cultural legacy
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