The Huangmei Opera Performance Troupe from China is making an unprecedented opportunity available to the Owensboro and Daviess County public schools districts through a special performance made possible by the Confucius Institute of Western Kentucky University.
Students in grades 1-4 at Newton Parrish Elementary School; students in grades 1-5 from Deer Park Elementary School; and selected students from Owensboro and Apollo high schools will attend an exclusive performance from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the RiverPark Center.
These schools are hosting Chinese teachers through the Confucius Institute, which is in its fifth year at Western Kentucky University. Students at CI-partner schools are learning Chinese language and culture. Terrill Martin, managing director of the Confucius Institute, said, “Many Chinese performing troupes have passed through the Bowling Green and Warren County area, and it is time to share this experience with other parts of Kentucky.”
The Deputy Mayor of Huanggang and Vice President of Huanggang Normal University and other members of the Chinese delegation will meet with Owensboro/Daviess County representatives that evening to discuss potential future partnerships and to express appreciation for making it possible for the troupe to perform for local students, who will experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world-renowned troupe perform the classical Chinese opera.
Chinese teachers at CI-partner schools are preparing students for the Chinese Opera experience by introducing them to the centuries-old tradition, which originated as a form of rural folksong, chants and dance.
“We are excited about this opportunity to introduce students to this fascinating glimpse of Chinese culture,” said Julie Clark, DCPS assistant superintendent for teaching and learning.
“We are looking forward to providing this experience to our kids,” said Dr. Matthew Constant, OPS chief academic officer. “Our partnership with the Confucius Institute at WKU has already expanded the global horizon for so many students in our community, and this is another opportunity to bring the world closer to home for them.”
