(PHOTO / XINHUA)

MACAO — Singers from the China National Opera House presented a selection of folk songs on Saturday in the Macao Special Administrative Region, kicking off a performance season to be staged by national artistic troupes in Macao.

The performers, led by soprano Yao Hong and Wang Qingshuang, sang selections from classic folk operas including The North Wind is Blowing, a song from The White-Haired Girl, and Waves After Waves on Honghu Lake, which originated from the opera The Red Guards on Honghu Lake.

Yao, who is also vice-president of the opera house, says that it hopes to present the essence of folk operas to Macao audiences, and help enhance communication and exchanges between artists in the Chinese mainland and Macao.

Singers from the opera house are also scheduled to join hands with local singers to present original songs created in Macao. They will also tour local schools.

The musical events are organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Office of the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR government.