Our Vision
Founded in August 1981 by a group of traditional Cantonese Opera enthusiasts, Jin Wah Sing Musical Society Edmonton Chapter is a non-profit organization that aims to promote traditional cultural music in the downtown Edmonton community.
Our organization has been dedicated to benefitting musical artists across to community for the last forty years. Jin Wah Sing provides diverse programmes to showcase and promote Chinese music within Canada, while enhancing the public's understanding and awareness of these vibrant art forms so that it may be enjoyed by many for generations to come.
A single tree makes no forest;
one string makes no music.
- Chinese Proverb
RECENT PROJECTS
East Meets West
Jin Wah Sing Musical Society was a proud sponsor of the "East Meets West" concert, an exquisite musical journey blending Eastern and Western instruments. Presented by the Alberta Chinese Cultural Society, Concordia University of Edmonton, and the B.C. Chinese Music Association, the concert took place at Edmonton's renowned Winspear Centre on April 23, 2023.
Programs
CANTONESE OPERA & SINGING
Reinvigorating famous opera classics by incorporating a combination of song, dance, acting, acrobatics and martial arts. This theatrical art form tells stories about Chinese history, traditions, culture and philosophies.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE INSTRUMENTS
Chinese orchestra instruments accompany the opera, in the form of wind, strings and percussions such as the erhu (two string bowed fiddle), gaohu, yehu, yangqin, pipa, dizi and more. We support our talented musicians who keep the skills of these historic instruments alive.
PERFORMANCE ARTS & COSTUME
Drawing on superb historic Cantonese opera costumes, accessories, and face painting, these extravagant details are integral in symbolizing characters, status and emotions. These traditions involve long specialized processes and training that are passed down to new artists.
SUPPORTING MUSICAL PERFORMANCES IN THE COMMUNITY
Bringing forth our community's talent and artists to the stage. Our organization's projects create a community that leads with diversity, helps us learn more about each other, our shared history and cultural mosaic in Canada.
A Celebration of Tradition:
The History of
Cantonese Opera
Originating in southern China's Guangdong province, Cantonese Opera dates back to the reign of Emperor Jiajing (1522-1566) of the Ming Dynasty. This form of opera combined local Guangdong music with the tradition of telling stories through song. Most of the plots were based on Chinese history, classics and myths. Until the 20th century, all female roles were played by males.
Cantonese Opera was inscribed into UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goals #4 Quality Education and #16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Jin Wah Sing Edmonton Chapter is passionate about Cantonese Opera and dedicated to sharing its rich cultural heritage. Let us transport you to a world of vibrant costumes, mesmerizing music, and breathtaking performances. Discover our favourite links below and get ready to be enchanted by the beauty and grace of Cantonese Opera!
Our Community Partners
Alberta Chinese Cultural Society
Edmonton Chinatown Multicultural Centre
Edmonton Chinese Freemasons Society