Rich tradition of Chinese opera returns to Regina, courtesy of one musical couple

CBC
·3 min read
Elaborate costumes and makeup have been part of the tradition of Chinese opera performances in the past in Regina. After the pandemic first brought the opera practices to a close, members are once again getting together and practising for a future performance. (Submitted by David Ling - image credit)
Elaborate costumes and makeup have been part of the tradition of Chinese opera performances in the past in Regina. After the pandemic first brought the opera practices to a close, members are once again getting together and practising for a future performance. (Submitted by David Ling - image credit)

This story is part of a CBC Sask. series featuring artists' work in celebration of Asian Heritage Month. For more on this project, visit cbc.ca/lovesk, where you can see more of the art we'll be featuring.

A Chinese princess wearing traditional Tang Dynasty robes and a headdress launches into a sorrowful solo, lamenting in Cantonese how poorly her husband treats her. As she pours out her heart, the orchestra swells in accompaniment, in a tradition of Chinese opera that has lasted centuries but which has a much shorter history in Regina.

In 1981, when David Ling and his wife Jenny Lee came to Canada, they also brought with them their love of their culture — specifically Chinese opera.

"In those days, there was no internet and not much entertainment for Chinese in Regina. They miss Cantonese opera," said Ling, through an interpreter.

Ling said many Chinese people in Regina came from the Guangdong village, where they grew up watching traditional Chinese Opera with their parents.

"When they hear the Cantonese opera they used to listen to, it reminds them of their hometown."

WATCH | Regina couple highlights Chinese cultural history through long-running opera:

Ling and his wife formed the Regina Chinese Musical Association in 1991, thanks to some prompting from the Regina Chinese Benevolent Association. Initially, between 80 and 90 people signed up, practising every Saturday night in the couple's basement.

The first performance in 1991 took place in a local restaurant, with more than 200 people attending, and attendance continued to grow during the next couple of decades.

However, the shows came to a grinding halt when the pandemic hit in March of 2020.

Four years later, Ling and Lee are ready to start up once again, and performers are entering the Regina Musical Association's 30th season.

Lee leads the vocal training while Ling takes care of transcribing the music, organizing the accompaniment and conducting the orchestra. The entire year is dedicated to practising, leading up to one annual performance.

David Ling and his wife Jenny Lee, in middle, pose with members from the Regina Chinese Musical Association after a Chinese opera performance.
David Ling and his wife Jenny Lee, in middle, pose with members from the Regina Chinese Musical Association after a Chinese opera performance.

David Ling and his wife Jenny Lee, in middle, pose with members from the Regina Chinese Musical Association after a Chinese opera performance. (Submitted by David Ling)

One of the original members, Wini Chung, joined the group out of curiosity when it was formed. Even though she grew up in Hong Kong and watched Chinese opera, she didn't know how it was performed.

"I just started with the basics in the beginning and now I love it," she said.

She said her amateur acting experience from school helps with her performances, but she's learned a lot from observing live shows.

"I went to Vancouver and (in) Toronto and Calgary where there are a lot of Chinese operas, you can watch professionals from China perform," said Chung.

Jenny Lee follows musicians as the Regina Chinese Musical Association practice on a Monday afternoon. Her husband, David Ling, accompanies the performers.
Jenny Lee follows musicians as the Regina Chinese Musical Association practice on a Monday afternoon. Her husband, David Ling, accompanies the performers.

Jenny Lee follows musicians as members of the Regina Chinese Musical Association practise on a Monday afternoon. Her husband, David Ling, accompanies the performers. (Florence Hwang/CBC)

Musical background 

Lee and Ling both have a long and varied history of musical achievement. Ling is skilled in playing both Chinese and Western instruments while Lee's teachers recognized her early talents in singing Cantonese opera.

"Our music teacher (was) the best music teacher in the city," Ling said, adding he met Lee when that teacher asked him to accompany her while she sang. A decade after they met, they got married.

Now, Lee teaches members with zero musical training and helps them determine where they may fit into the opera.

"Jenny will teach those who are interested in singing Cantonese Opera soprano with unique techniques with persistent practice," he said.

Regina Chinese Musical Association puts on its annual Chinese opera production.
Regina Chinese Musical Association puts on its annual Chinese opera production.

The Regina Chinese Musical Association puts on its annual Chinese opera production. (Submitted by David Ling)

At one point in the association's history, about 100 volunteers helped stage, promote and run the annual production, which was a three-hour-long opera.

With the return of Chinese opera to the city, Ling said members are happy to get back to singing and connecting with one another.

Chung agrees that it's a joy for her to forget the outside world and sing together with others.

"For a healthy life, sing a song (and) forget about our troubles," she said. "Life is tough, so we've got to move on — but music will help you."

Check out our other Asian Heritage Month content here: