Bulletin Spring‧Summer 2001

coordinates all research activities related to Cantonese opera and operatic songs, including data collection, processing, and the publication of research results, as wel l as educational activities both on and off the University campus. Coordinator of the programme, Prof. Chan Sau-yan points out that many research projects have been complete d and over 10 books have been published since the founding of the programme. Seminars have been held twic e a year, and there have been many different kinds of Cantonese opera performances and educational activities, including Cantonese opera classes and demonstrations, and public performances at over 10 primary and secondary schools. Prof. Chan's own specialization is musical structure and r e l i g i o u s p e r f o r m a n ce o f Cantonese opera. He says, ‘There is a close relationship between the musical structure and the pe r f o rmance venue. Improvisations ofte n have to be made, especially for religious p e r f o r ma n c e s, i n o r d er to prolong, modify, or condense the performance, depending on the immediate circumstances.' Prof. Chan Sau-yan Prof. Chan Sau-yan offers a Universit y General Education course in 'Appreciation of Chinese Opera'. Cantonese opera: a religious performance P r o f . Chan r e c e i v ed support f r om the Research Grants Council last year to embark on a study of the formation of Cantonese opera theory. He will investigate how the theoretical concepts of Cantonese opera have been influenced by the music of Beijing and Kunqu operas, Cantonese instrumental and folk music, as well as Western music f r om the early 20t h c e n t u r y . The p r o j e ct is expected to be completed by the end of 2001. Chinese University Bulletin Spring • Summer 2001 22