Renowned Hong Kong artist Tsui Siu-ming, often affectionately known as “Siu-ming Gor,” is making a significant return to his roots, announcing the launch of his debut Cantonese opera album and ambitious plans to resurrect Cantonese opera cinema. The announcement, made today at the WorldStar Entertainment headquarters, marks a deeply personal tribute to his family’s theatrical legacy while addressing a critical gap in contemporary Chinese regional arts.
Tsui, a veteran of film and television, revealed that the new album follows his second successful Cantonese opera concert run in 2024. This project, culminating in a concert DVD release, solidifies his commitment to the art form he first learned as a child prodigy.
From Child Star to Opera Icon
Born into a family immersed in the world of traditional Chinese opera, Tsui began his performing career at the tender age of five, joining the entertainment industry and receiving formal, rigorous training under the tutelage of the legendary hua dan (leading female role), Fung Wong Nui (Phoenix Girl). While he initially transitioned into mainstream cinema and music, achieving considerable success, Tsui admits that Cantonese opera had taken a backseat to his broader entertainment career—until recently.
“Although I was a child star, my later focus in film and television meant I didn’t seriously pursue Cantonese opera,” Tsui explained. “This album is a way of honouring my family heritage and remembering my parents. It’s about passing on the tradition and creating new classics.”
Tsui is no stranger to musical accolades. He had an illustrious early career in the music industry, earning four “Gold Disc Awards,” and his hit song ”Seven String Zither” was a staple on radio, notably championed by the influential DJ Uncle Ray. He also secured the “Silver Star Award” for Most Promising Singer upon his debut in 1975.
Collaborations Bridge Generations
The new opera album and DVD feature collaborations with esteemed Cantonese opera masters, highlighting the community effort to support Tsui’s return. Veteran performer Lau Wai-ming (Lau Huei-ming), who recognized Tsui’s enduring passion for the genre, was instrumental in suggesting the concert series.
“I knew early on that Siu-ming’s heart was in Cantonese opera,” Lau stated.
Additionally, leading opera performer Tang Mei-ling eagerly agreed to be a concert guest. The DVD captures a powerful moment of collaboration: Tsui and Tang perform a duet of Fung Wong Nui’s classic, ”The Unending Love Between a Couple”. For his collaboration with Lau Wai-ming, known for adept ping hou (a singing style), they selected the epic ”Hsiao Ho Pursuing Han Hsin Under the Moonlight,” showcasing their masterful vocal skills.
The Push to Revive Opera Cinema
Beyond the recording studio, Tsui’s focus is on the large screen. He lamented the decline of Cantonese opera filmmaking, which once dominated Asian cinemas.
“In the 1950s and 60s, Cantonese opera films, driven by the superb performances of legends like Yam Kim-fai and Pak Suet-sin, captivated audiences across Southeast Asia,” Tsui noted. “But over the past two or three decades, due to changes in market dynamics and audience tastes, the genre has effectively vanished.”
To combat this loss, Tsui is partnering with WorldStar Entertainment CEO Cheung Kwok-lam to jointly produce a new Cantonese opera movie. They plan to actively seek resources—including private investors, government cultural funding bodies, and development initiatives within the Greater Bay Area—to mobilize collective effort and restore the genre to its former glory. This ambitious project aims not just to entertain, but to ensure that the exquisite artistry of Cantonese opera is preserved and accessible to new generations worldwide.
