Artists from Chinese opera genres share the stage during a collaborative performance. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 2026 Fujian New Year Opera Gala was held in Fuzhou on Dec 29, marking the province's first dedicated new year celebration centered on traditional opera and bringing together award-winning performers and critically acclaimed productions.

The program featured a selection of recent works recognized by the Golden Rooster Awards for Best Opera Film, alongside productions selected for national showcases. By blending historical prestige with modern stagecraft, the gala provided a comprehensive overview of the evolution of traditional Chinese theater.

The gala also honored historical legacy through performances. To mark the 240th anniversary of the birth of Lin Zexu, a national hero renowned for resisting foreign incursions during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the program featured a cross-generational Min Opera excerpt. Chen Naichun, a 73-year-old Wenhua Performance Award winner, performed alongside his students to honor Lin's commitment to national service.

Artists from Fujian and Taiwan collaborate in a performance of the Peking Opera classic Mu Guiying Takes Command. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Renowned Peking Opera artist Wei Haimin from Taiwan, a winner of the 13th Plum Blossom Award, performed a classic excerpt from Mu Guiying Takes Command, underscoring a shared cultural identity and the enduring appeal of traditional themes such as loyalty and courage.

The event concluded with a collective performance of the opera song Sheng Shi Li Yuan (Prosperous Times of the Pear Garden), which received sustained applause from the audience.