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Chun-Mei Taiwanese Opera Troupe

  • Date:2015-10-01
Chun-Mei Taiwanese Opera Troupe

  • Chinese Name: 春美歌劇團
  • Year of Establishment: 2000
  • Did You Know That ... ?
  • Renowned for flamboyant performances, skillful singing, and theatrical performances,the Chun-Mei Taiwanese Opera Troupe has breathed new life into the age-old art.
  • Site: www.taconet.com.tw/acters



When the pop version of "Riding a White Horse” was released in 2008, the audience in Taiwan was thrilled because the musical work originated from the classic seven-word ballad in Taiwanese opera, recreated by Kuo Chun-mei (郭春美), founder and managing director of the Chun-Mei Taiwanese Opera Troupe.


Kuo was born into a Taiwanese opera family business; growing up, she became accustomed to touring the country for performances of Taiwanese opera. The young prodigy, with formidable skills in the craft, has reached out to combine diverse artistic genres for the preservation of the traditional art itself and to connect with younger audiences.


On March 22, 2000, Kuo started her eponymous ensemble, recruiting young opera singers from among the best in Taiwan. Based in Kaohsiung, they typically perform in front of temples during large festivals in traditional fashion. Their expertise is demonstrated by strong casting, charming characters, elaborate costumes, and glamorous settings. Kuo herself often plays the young male protagonist ("xiao sheng”), and the troupe trains children to become supporting "doll characters,” as children's roles are referred to in Taiwanese opera.


Kuo has been adventurous in revamping the infrastructure of Taiwanese opera, while still keeping true to the ancient soul of the music and traditional singing style. In 2007, Kuo partnered with modern jazz producer Su Tong-da to create a mash-up of traditional opera songs with jazz, electronic music and contemporary beats; "Riding a White Horse” was thus adapted into a soft pop piece.


In 2010, Kuo was presented with the Global Chinese Culture Legacy Award, and in 2012 she produced and starred in a motion picture with a background story portraying Taiwanese opera troupes. Her latest effort won her a nomination in the New Actor/Actress awardscategory of the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival. Despite their scarce resources, Kuo and her troupe are fighting uncompromisingly for the legacy of the ancient craft in innovative and refreshing ways.