Overview of research work of Prof. Leung on Cantonese opera in Hong Kong and Guangzhou

Abstract

It is important to recognise and transmit the importance of traditional music. Professor Bo-Wah Leung, Research Centre for Transmission of Cantonese Opera, The Education University of Hong Kong, recognises the value of this and wants to establish improved methods of communicating the cultural importance of Cantonese opera and thereby inspiring an appreciation for this among the current generation of young people as well as future generations. Bo-Wah founded the Research Centre in 2018 and this is where he leads various research projects devoted to improving how teachers can impart the importance of traditional music onto their students. Currently, Leung is working on a project called National education as cultural education: developing students' Chinese cultural identity with learning and teaching Cantonese opera in Hong Kong and Guangdong, with a view to surveying the current state of teaching the genre in primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong and Guangdong and determining the extent to which students' Chinese cultural identity have been developed through learning the genre. Leung believes there are significant research gaps regarding Cantonese opera and he is exploring the transmission of Cantonese opera in Hong Kong through school music education, community education and higher education. In doing so, he is filling research gaps, including the transmission modes of apprenticeship and conservatory tradition; students' motivation about learning Cantonese opera; teachers' confidence and interest in teaching Cantonese opera; the undergraduate programme and curriculum for nurturing professional Cantonese opera artists; creativity of Cantonese opera artists; and informal learning in community settings.