Earlier this month, FHSS sponsored a group of 10 talented UNNC students who were led by Dr Derek Irwin, Associate Dean of Education and Student Experience, to join peers from our Malaysia campus for a performance of "Musical Encounters: a journey into Cantonese Opera" with the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong, and the Cantonese Opera Academy of Hong Kong. Perhaps even more exciting, the special guest of honour was the internationally-renowned Cantonese Opera performer Law Kar-Ying, who is a board member of the CAA & COA, and has long association with Malaysia and the Cantonese Opera scene there. The production was a blend of thrilling Cantonese Opera performances, traditional Chinese music, and fusion music inspired by the encounter, with UNNC actors providing a through-line from the audience by "performing" a university lecture focused on intercultural contacts. Unique Arts Academy's band Alunan linked influences from China, India and Spain with Malaysia, culminating the show with a rendition of the classic “Burung Kakak Tua” that had the entire cast and audience singing together.

The production was conceived of by Nottingham colleague Dr Sergio Camacho, who is the UNM Director of Performing Arts, and it was arranged in the Kuala Lumpur Temple of Fine Arts. There were many amazing sponsors, with one highlight being a dinner in Atmosphere 360, the revolving restaurant at the top of KL Tower, and a post-production dinner at Satay Putera in Kajang. Dato Chua, Dato Wong, and Dato Ringo were excellent VIP hosts for these and other events. The official media channel was Sin Chew Daily, who highlighted the event along with the participation of our students.

Some of the UNNC talent on display included Shiyu Tang on pipa, Di Yang on guzheng, and Qi Sun with Mogana Jin integrating traditional Chinese dance with the new intercultural music. Ruolin Hu was the professor answering questions from Jianning Du, Jianhua Ji, Lanxin Zhang, Yilei Zhang and Ziling Zhang. Derek worked with a performer from the Cantonese Opera Academy, Alan Tam, to provide English and Cantonese descriptions of the pieces from the stage.