On September 21, the Chinese End of Life Foundation celebrated its 27th anniversary with a captivating Cantonese opera performance titled “Love Without Boundaries, Caring for the Future” at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC). The event aimed not only to raise funds but also to shine a spotlight on the rich heritage of Cantonese opera. Featured in the lineup were esteemed national first-class actors from China, Guo Fengnu and Huang Weikun, who joined forces with local talent to bring traditional art forms to life while also supporting end-of-life services for those in need within the community.
Founded in 1997, the Chinese End of Life Foundation has been committed to helping individuals without family or the means to afford funeral expenses, all while promoting traditional Chinese values and raising awareness for vulnerable populations. This event was organized in partnership with the New York Cantonese Opera Preservation Center and benefitted greatly from the involvement of well-known Cantonese artists Huang Weikun and Guo Fengnu, alongside several local performers.
Guo Fengnu, a disciple of the renowned Cantonese opera master Hong Xian-Nü and a key figure in Guangzhou’s intangible cultural heritage, mesmerized the audience with her graceful performances and enchanting singing. Her distinctive artistic style has earned her a devoted fan base across regions, including Hong Kong, Macau, North America, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Huang Weikun, celebrated for his extensive experience in various troupes, showcased his remarkable talent in both martial and civil roles, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the Cantonese opera scene.
The two-day event featured an array of skilled performers, including Wu Guorong, Huang Yuxing, Zhao Congbin, and Ding Liuying, as well as passionate enthusiasts from the East Coast such as Shao Qingyi, Gui Lian, Fang Ziyuan, Li Fufen, and the distinguished nonagenarian entrepreneur Huang Qingxin, all united by their love for Cantonese opera.
Highlights from the performance at BMCC included eight acts with standout selections such as “West River Meeting” featuring Huang Yuxing and Chen Maijie, “A Small Feast” with Huang Weikun and Gui Lian, and “Parting Hearts” performed by Guo Fengnu and Shao Qingyi.
The following day, the same cast took to the stage at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association auditorium in Chinatown, kicking off the show with “High Mountains and Flowing Water” by Huang Weikun and Chen Maijie. Emotional duets followed, including “Torn Apart and Reunited” by Guo Fengnu and Fang Ziyuan, and a poignant rendition of “The Broken Bridge” from the “Legend of the White Snake,” performed by Huang Weikun and Li Fufen. The finale, “The Heart’s Secrets,” guided the audience through an intimate tale of Di Qing and Princess Shuangyang.
The success of these performances garnered enthusiastic feedback from attendees, highlighting the enduring charm of classic works. Chen Maijie, the chairwoman of the Chinese End of Life Foundation, expressed profound gratitude to all the participating artists, underscoring that this fundraising initiative was also designed to promote Guangdong opera and cultivate a deeper appreciation and understanding of this cherished cultural form among the audience.
