Cantonese Opera Group 2007 Annual Report

Looking back the year 2007, the CYL Cantonese Opera Group presented many performances and activities over this Lunar Year of the Pig. Some of these activities were new attempts by the Group.

At the start of the year, the CYL Opera Group entered the 2007 Chinatown Challenge Shopfront Decoration Competition organised by the City of Sydney as part of the celebration of the Year of the Pig. The Group designed and decorated the shopfront for CYL Club House, and won the champion prize in the competition.

Year of Pig Chinese New Year Entertainment was organised by the City of Sydney at Belmore Park on 10 and 11 February. The group organised members dressing up as the God of Fortune and exercised the tradition on handing out red packets to the audience. The group presented opera pieces and also chorus singing as part of the festival presentations.

During the City of Sydney’s Year of Pig Chinese New Year Parade, the members dressed up as the characters in the famous Chinese literature: Journey to the West, such as Tripitaka, Monkey King, Pigsy, etc.

The group also performed opera pieces in Chinatown Chinese New Year celebration at Market City during the Chinese New Year period.

On 24th February, the CYL Opera Group conducted the traditional fleet blessing in the form of dragon eye-dotting ceremony. This was held as part of the opening ceremony of the Chinese New Year Dragon Boat Racing Competition at Darling Harbour.

The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) engaged CYL Cantonese Opera Group to assist on 19th September in the Opening Ceremony for the 8th World Dragon Boat Racing Championships at Parramatta River Park and provided performances. On 22nd September, the group presented various opera performances during the Moon Festival celebrations at the Market City.

The Cantonese Opera Group showcased their performances at the CYL 68th anniversary luncheon at Burwood RSL Club. A bush walk at Manly Warringah War Memorial Park was organised in October 2007in conjunction with the Chinese Cultural Dance Group. This event attracted a crowd of thirty-three people and all had a good time on this fine day.

On 16th Nov 2007, CYL Cantonese Opera Group was invited by SBS Radio to perform in front of the memorial arch on Dixon Street. The SBS Radio reporter interviewed the performers and praised to the group’s contribution and performances. The whole show was broadcasted on the radio national wide on the same day.

We take this opportunity to thank all sponsors and supporters. The CYL Cantonese Opera Group will continue to put in hard work and foster this traditional performing art. Through performing and training, we will bring this Chinese traditional culture to more people.