The Inaugural S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Cantonese Opera Charity Show Raised $56,000

Vancouver – The inaugural S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Cantonese Opera Charity Show was successfully held at The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts on Saturday, August 28, to a standing- room-only audience.  Over 1,000 Cantonese opera enthusiasts attended the one night only charity show and helped S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation raise $56,000 for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. senior services, surpassing the initial target of $30,000.  

Headlined by NG Chin Fung and WAN Fai Yin, two of the most celebrated Cantonese opera artists in Asia, and flanked by 6 seasoned performers, including 2 Hong Kong based John Lau and Lanzy Choy, and 4 local, Lucy Ma, Alice Choi, Annie Wong and Cindy Pang, the evening’s performances included two selections from the well-known Cantonese opera The Butterfly Lovers, and the classic The Flower Princess.  

“Cantonese operas tell stories about Chinese history, traditions, culture, and philosophies,” said Maggie Ip, Chair of S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation.  “We are extremely honoured to bring this traditional Chinese art form to audiences of different cultures.”  As a feature to enhance the enjoyment of the show, Lanzy Choy, in addition to performing, had also deftly translated the six duets into English.  The evening’s performances were entirely captioned in English and Chinese.

Mrs. Betty Funston, Chair of the 2010 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Cantonese Opera Charity Show, gave thanks to all the performers, especially NG Chin Fung, WAN Fai Yin, John Lau and Lanzy Choy who flew all the way from Hong Kong to perform in this charitable event.  Betty also gratefully thanked Presenting Sponsor Cargo Services Far East for their unwavering support to make this show possible, and to all sponsors, media and individuals for making the opera a memorable evening.

Proceeds from the show will benefit essential S.U.C.C.E.S.S. senior programs and services, including one of S.U.C.C.E.S.S.’s  treasures the “Evergreen News.”

S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation, incorporated in December 2001, is a charitable foundation responsible for raising funds for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. and its affiliated organizations to support their mandates for the betterment of the community. For more details, please visit: www.successfoundation.ca

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