Professor Zheng Xiaoying. [Photo by Hu Meidong/China Daily]

On April 19, the Zheng Xiaoying Opera Center held a grand yet simple concert to mark the launch of the Philharmonic Hall in Siming district, Xiamen, Fujian province.

Directed by Professor Zheng Xiaoying, the concert featured performances by renowned Chinese opera artists and young performers alongside the Xiamen Opera Philharmonic Chorus and the Xiamen Opera Philharmonic Piano Quintet. The event featured performances of choral pieces, chamber music, and opera excerpts.

Professor Zheng Xiaoying, who moved from Beijing to Xiamen in 1998, played a crucial role in founding the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra, a privately funded professional symphony orchestra. During her 15-year tenure as the founding artistic director, she conducted a total of 611 concerts, contributing to the artistic growth of the orchestra and cultivating an interest in symphony music among the people of Xiamen.

In 2010, Professor Zheng established the Zheng Xiaoying Opera Center, which was officially registered in 2022, becoming the first non-profit private institution capable of independently producing operas in China.

The Zheng Xiaoying Opera Center is the most important opera institution in the southern region of China, apart from the international metropolises of Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Since its establishment, the opera center has adhered to a scientifically efficient and internationally aligned opera production model, revolving around a central conductor and close collaboration among various core business units. This model is noteworthy for opera professionals nationwide.

The center, based in Xiamen, has trained a large number of opera talents in China, making Xiamen a powerhouse in rehearsing and producing operas. It also has the ability to attract top domestic and international musical talent to Xiamen to live, participate in exchanges, or host high-level music events. For example, Xiamen is set to host the 6th China Opera Festival in 2026.

Professor Zheng is China's first female opera-symphony conductor, educator, and music activist, making significant contributions to the development of opera and symphonic music in China.

Professor Zheng Xiaoying takes a photo with performers. [Photo by Hu Meidong/China Daily]

A performance is held at the Zheng Xiaoying Opera Center. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]