China boasts a diverse collection of traditional music and sounds, the most popular being Peking Opera, and Kunqu Opera, both of which have a long history. But there are also operas of a younger generation, such as Liao Opera from northeast China’s Liaoning province.

Liao Opera is the only local tune of Liaoning province. During the course of its development, the traditional tune has had its ups and downs, but still remains true to its roots.

Liao Opera is the only local tune of Liaoning Province. During the course of its development, the traditional tune has had its ups and downs, but still remains true to its roots.

This performance is presented by the Gaizhou Liao Opera Troupe, a local company in Liaoning Province. The performers stunned the audience members who packed into this theater.

“It’s not really what we expect from traditional operas, but we are stunned. It's a great performance and we really enjoyed it,” said an audience member.

Performer Zhu Xiaoxia graduated from a local Liao Opera school with a group of young artists back in 1997. Since then, she has been performing around the country to promote the art form. It is her hope that more and more people can learn about and recognize the traditional tune.

Liao Opera is the only local tune of Liaoning Province. During the course of its development, the traditional tune has had its ups and downs, but still remains true to its roots.

“We borrowed some techniques from other traditional operas such as Peking Opera but Liao Opera is different from them. We hope through our performances, more and more people, especially from our hometown, can get to know the art form better. And we also hope more young people can learn the traditional tune,” Zhu said.

And that is quickly becoming a reality, as local authorities are planning to open Liao Opera courses in schools throughout Liaoning province. Experts and master performers will conduct lectures, and all the classes will be free of charge to the public. The talented young performers can even potentially get jobs at local opera troupe companies.