The Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS) was honoured to invite Prof. Franco Yuen Siu Fai, a maestro in Cantonese Opera, to deliver a series of ten weekly lectures on “Cantonese Opera Appreciation” from 7 January to 22 April 2025 at the Activities Room of Art Museum East Wing, CUHK. Forty-one applicants were selected to attend the course. The curriculum covers topics such as “The origins of Cantonese opera and legends of the opera deity”, “Cantonese opera in Hong Kong: Past and Present”, “Traditional Cantonese opera repertoire and classic masterpieces”, and “Cantonese opera education and heritage”. With Prof. Yuen’s extensive experience, engaging explanations, and captivating demonstrations, participants have gained valuable insights.

Prof. Yuen embarked on his theatrical journey at the age of seven and has been deeply connected to opera throughout his life, dedicating himself to the preservation and promotion of Cantonese opera. As one of the few opera artists capable of performing across multiple roles, he currently serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Music at CUHK, the Artistic Director of the “One Table Two Chairs” Charitable Foundation, an expert advisor (Cantonese Opera) for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s Museums, and a member of the advisory panel for the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District.

 

Masterpieces and the History of Chinese Painting
The workshop, taught by Dr. Ho Pik Ki, Peggy, Research Fellow of the Art Museum, CUHK, was held from 12 February to 12 April 2025 at the Digital Scholarship Lab of the University Library and Art Museum, CUHK. Twenty-five applicants were chosen to participate in the ten-session Workshop. The Workshop focused on introducing masterpieces of painting from the Tang dynasty to the Qing dynasty, along with renowned painters, the distinctive features of their works, and the artistic styles of different periods. The instructor’s extensive knowledge and detailed explanations enabled students to grasp the fundamental knowledge of painting history. They also learned how to appreciate traditional Chinese paintings, allowing them to experience the joy of viewing art and the beauty of Chinese culture.

Chinese Painting Workshop
ICS is pleased to invite Ms. Choi Tak Yee to conduct a ten-session Chinese Painting Workshop running from 7 May to 9 July 2025, at the Experiential Learning Space of Art Museum West Wing. The Workshop aims to introduce 12 participants to the tools and techniques of Chinese painting, with a focus on depicting insects, animals, plants, and landscapes. Ms. Choi, a skilled artist and instructor, has received multiple awards in Chinese painting competitions. The small-scale Workshop provides participants with ample opportunities to engage with the instructor and refine their painting skills.

The “Introduction to Shuowen Jiezi” Workshop is being held in the Lecture Theatre of ICS, running from 27 May to 29 July 2025. The Workshop consists of eight sessions and has attracted 108 enrolled participants. It began with an introduction to the Preface of Shuowen Jiezi, covering its historical background and structural composition. Selected character examples from the text are being studied to familiarize participants with the research methodologies and the academic significance of Shuowen Jiezi, thereby deepening their knowledge and interest with Chinese philology and ancient culture.

The instructor, Dr. Lee Wing Kin, is currently a lecturer at the School of Chinese, The University of Hong Kong. His research and teaching interests include Chinese philology, exegesis, excavated manuscripts, and Cantonese language education. Dr. Lee’s teaching is clear and engaging, creating a lively classroom atmosphere.