Overview

A symphonic cantata based on the heroic history of Lin Zexu's destruction of opium at Humen in 1839 and the Opium War. Originally an opera, it was adapted into this symphonic cantata in 2008 by composer Luo Jichao and Artistic Director Zhou Zhengsong. This performance in Macao, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2014, marks its first overseas presentation.

Key Details

• Date: June 26, 2014
• Time: 20:00
• Venue: Macao Cultural Centre – Grand Auditorium
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (including a 15-minute intermission)
• Admission: Ticketed (MOP 280, 200, 150*, 80*)
• Age Restriction: No age limit
• Ticketing Policy: One ticket per person. All attendees must purchase a ticket.

Artistic Highlights

1. Historical & Contemporary Relevance: The story is set in ancient Qing Dynasty China, but its anti-drug message is profoundly relevant to the modern world, transcending time and geographical boundaries.
2. Classical & Modern Fusion: The drama features performances in ancient costumes with classical poetry, accompanied by a modern symphony orchestra with solos, duets, and choruses, breaking the formal limitations of traditional art.
3. Dual Value: Possesses both high artistic appreciation value and significant anti-drug educational meaning. It is designed to resonate across different countries and cultures.

Program

Act I: Confrontation

1. "Make Way, the Killers Are Coming" – Mixed Chorus
2. "He Suddenly Drew His Murderous Sword" – Mrs. Elliot's Solo
3. "The British Flag Flies Across the World" – Elliot & Four British Soldiers' Ensemble
4. "See the Pearl River Tide Rising" – Lin Zexu's Solo & Chorus
5. "The Emperor Sent You to Guangzhou" – He Zengli's Solo
6. "Hunger, Though Not an Illness" – Opium Merchants' Chorus
7. "He Is No Ordinary Official" – Interpreter Cao Suyin's Solo
8. "Headwind, Whistling in the Ears" – Mixed Chorus
9. "Dent Is a Big Fool" – Deng Tingzhen, Elliot, Dent Trio

Act II: Opium Destruction

1. "Why Are the Streets Empty by Day?" – Mixed Chorus & Performance
2. "Rolls of Thick Smoke Soar to the Sky" – Guan Tianpei's Solo & Mixed Chorus
3. "I Am a Witness of Three Dynasties" – Old Scholar's Solo & Commoners' Performance

Act III: Lofty Sentiments

1. "Worrying About Your Thin Clothes in the Autumn Wind" – Mrs. Lin's Solo & Female Chorus
2. "Gusts of Fresh Wind Wash the Dust from My Face" – Female Duet & Lin Zexu's Solo
3. "The Sky Is Gloomy, But My Heart Is Not" – Qishan's Solo
4. "Chinese People Have a Backbone Like a Dragon" – Cao Suyin's Solo
5. "A Heartless Edict Adds Frost to Snow" – Lin Zexu's Solo & Chorus

Act IV: Farewell

1. "Lord Lin, You Saved My Husband's Life" – He Zhenli's Solo & Crowd Chorus
2. "Do Not Weep" – Lin Zexu's Solo & Crowd Chorus
3. "This Parting Today Is Too Hard to Bear" – Old Scholar & Crowd's Antiphonal Singing

Finale "I would dedicate myself to my country regardless of life or death" – Mixed Chorus (Program subject to change on the day of performance)

Production Team & Cast

• Playwright: Lin Geming (National First-Class Playwright)
• Composer: Luo Jichao (National First-Class Composer)
• Artistic Director: Zhou Zhengsong
• Director: Xiao Hansen
• Lead Performers: South China Experimental Art Troupe (Guangzhou)
• Chorus: Guangdong Kangyi Choir, Private Hualian College Choir, Macau City University Choir
• Orchestra: Lingnan Symphony Orchestra (Guangzhou), Zhuhai Philharmonic Folk Orchestra