Open the gates of Peking Opera

"Open the Gates of Art" is a platform set up by the Beijing Forbidden City Concert Hall for local middle and primary school students. Since it began, in 1994, kids have been treated to numerous performances and activities during every summer vacation. This year's students are enjoying Peking Opera.

"Open the Gates of Art" is a platform set up by the Beijing  Forbidden City Concert Hall for local middle and primary school students.(Photo: CCTV.com)

The young audience gives warm applause to the melodic performance presented by the China National Peking Opera Company. The repertoire, including segments of traditional and modern pieces are the warm up for the kids. During the coming semester, they will be studying a new compulsory course, titled "Peking Opera". The pieces they are seeing are precisely what they will be studying when they return to class.

The concert allows the youthful audience to savour the magic of Peking Opera. Parents think the program is a great idea.

"Open the Gates of Art" is a platform set up by the Beijing  Forbidden City Concert Hall for local middle and primary school students.(Photo: CCTV.com)

A summer camp opens July 28. Students attending will study the history, costumes and stage make-up of Peking Opera. They can also expect to study performance under instruction of well known Peking Opera artists.