London Jing Kun Opera Association

The Parting at the Kiln (‘Pinggui Bieyao’).

The daughter of the Prime Minister, Wang Baochuan is to be married, and her father has arranged a contest in order to choose a suitable husband. One day she meets a pauper in the gardens, Xue Pinggui, and falls desperately in love with him. She instructs him to mingle amongst the rich suitors at the contest, in hope that they can be together. By chance, Xue catches the matrimonial silk ball thrown by her, and against her father’s wishes they run away and the pair are married. Xue soon gains the attention of the Tang Emperor, is promoted to Commander of the Armies, but the furious Prime Minster has him demoted to the ranks.

This scene shows Xue hurrying back to the kiln to bid Wang good-bye before his departure for the battle-front. This episode is well-known for its moving arias and choreographic movements, displaying both military crispness and tender lyricism.

In Pursuit of a Dream (‘Xunmeng’) from ‘The Peony Pavilion’.

Du Liniang, a high-born and much secluded young lady, has made her first venture into the vast garden of her father’s official home. Stepping beyond her parents’ prescribed world has awakened many mixed feelings of womanhood in her. Weary from her new experience, she falls asleep and dreams of meeting a young scholar, Liu Mengmei, in her garden and falling in love. When she wakes up, she finds herself in the solitude of her room again. The next day, while her maid is absent, Du Liniang goes back into the garden to re-trace the steps in her dream.

The London Jing Kun Opera Association is the only organisation in the UK that promotes Beijing and Kunqu Opera. This is a rare opportunity to witness the sheer spectacle of this vibrant and colourful yet endangered art form.

Our evening concerts are designed to be an informal, cost effective way to enjoy great classical and world music. Free parking is available in Durham Road car park, behind the Octagon Centre.