Qin Opera festival to debut in Xi'an soon

Liu Ping, vice president of the China Theater Association, speaks at the news conference for the Ninth China Qin Opera Art Festival on June 2. [Photo provided by Qu Hongwei to en.xa.gov.cn]

The Ninth China Qin Opera Art Festival is scheduled to take place from June 13 to 24 in Xi'an, the capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province, and its surrounding cities, according to a news conference on June 2.

As the country's most esteemed Qin Opera event, it is held every two years by the China Theater Association and the culture and tourism departments of five provinces and autonomous regions in Northwest China.

Liu Ping, vice president of the China Theater Association, delivered a keynote speech at the news conference, highlighting the significance of the art festival in providing a platform for Qin Opera art groups from all parts of China to stage performances and for professional opera performers to meet their fans. Liu also recognized Xi'an as the birthplace of the opera and expressed her gratitude for the city's continuous efforts to preserve and develop the art form.

Yao Lijun, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Xi'an Municipal Committee, explained Xi'an residents' love for Qin Opera. "Xi'an people are brought up with Qin Opera. The lyrics are based on Guanzhong dialect, and the performance manifests Xi'an people's personality," said Yao.

Yao Lijun, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Xi’an Municipal Committee, delivers a speech at the news conference on June 2. [Photo provided by Qu Hongwei to en.xa.gov.cn]

The art festival this year is jointly organized by the China Theater Association and the Xi’an government and is being participated in by art groups from Shaanxi province, Gansu province, Qinghai province, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The festival consists of nine sections, including an opening ceremony, a closing ceremony, forums and shows in various settings, and more than 30 Plum Performance Award winners will be invited to perform both online and in person.

The event will also fuse animation, rock and roll, and other elements to attract a young audience.