Tianyun Society preserves legacy of Kunqu Opera

Kunqu Opera, one of the oldest extant forms of Chinese opera, is popular in Wuxi, Jiangsu province.

In Wuxi, there is a Kunqu Opera singing organization known as the Tianyun Society. This society has a rich history, originally founded in the late Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as the "Wuxi Kunqu Club". Later, in 1920, the organization changed its name to "Tianyun Society".

Wu Wanqing (1847-1927), a renowned Kunqu Opera performer hailing from Wuxi, presided over the Tianyun Society for five decades. He was proficient in various instrumental accompaniments, particularly the pipa (a four-stringed Chinese lute) and sanxian (a three-stringed plucked instrument). Under his leadership, the society attracted many talented individuals whose artistic achievements have left deep roots in the legacy of Kunqu Opera.

In 1922, the Tianyun Society not only collaborated with domestic musicians from cities like Shanghai and Suzhou but also engaged in exchanges with an international musician from the Boston Symphony Orchestra, receiving widespread acclaim.

In 1937, the conventional activities of the society were interrupted due to the war of resistance against Japanese aggression. It was not until 2013 that the society resumed its activities along the ancient Liangxi River, supported by Kunqu Opera enthusiasts and the local government.

The centuries-long history of the Wuxi Tianyun Society parallels the trajectory of China's traditional culture. In addition to preserving local culture in Wuxi, it also serves as a living testament to traditional music across the entire country.