Richmond Cantonese opera singers ditch soccer field for a studio

Members from a Richmond-based Cantonese opera group celebrated the grand opening of their newly renovated studio over the weekend. 

The group – called Forever Young – made the Richmond News’ front page last year when we told how the members also played soccer and would burst into operatic song every time they scored a goal.

Victor Chow, the opera group organizer, said they used to hang out at some members’ homes to practice melodies before the pandemic, but the COVID-19 restrictions forced them to turn their talents to the soccer field instead.

Chow said the group was very excited to finally have a studio of the own to practice their skills. 

“I have also installed some soundproofing walls at the studio to ensure that our neighbours won’t get annoyed by our practice, or maybe they call it noise,” said Victor, smiling.

Combining music, acrobatics, theatre performance and martial arts, Cantonese opera has been around in China for over 400 years and has become one of that country’s best-known entertainment exports. 

Another group member, Juexin Lin, said he lives and breathes Cantonese opera. 

Born in Hong Kong, Lin used to perform as an opera singer in Vietnam and Thailand dozens of years ago, but the political tensions there forced him to move to the U.S. before immigrating to Canada in the late 1990s. 

Lin said Cantonese opera has been giving him the strength to get through the most difficult time of his life. 

“I worked as a dishwasher in an Asian restaurant in Chinatown when I first came to Canada. I barely spoke any English words and life was so tough at that time, but I still kept singing in the kitchen while washing dishes,” said Lin.

“One day, a customer overheard my songs and suggested that I be a Cantonese opera teacher, which became my life-changing moment.”

In addition to bustling around in the tiny kitchen, Lin tried to establish a career as a teacher. 

And, after several years of persistence and hard work, his efforts paid off – with more and more students signing up, allowing him to finally let go of the dishes.

“I am grateful for where Cantonese opera brought me and it also shaped who I am today. When you feel life is hard, cry a bit, sing a bit and laugh a bit,” said Lin.