Poetry meets Kunqu Opera: The 15th Blossoms of Wisdom gathering held in Kunshan

On May 9, the 15th Blossoms of Wisdom gathering, themed "Echoes of Poetry and Kunqu Opera across Two Classic Gatherings", was held in Bacheng town, 

Kunshan, Suzhou city, Jiangsu province, the birthplace of Kunqu Opera. 

Jointly hosted by Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, the Publicity Department of the Kunshan Municipal Party Committee, and the Chinese Poetry Society, the gathering focused on the dialogue between northern and southern cultural traditions and the fusion of poetry and Kunqu Opera. It bridged the Blossoms of Wisdom gathering of the museum with the Yushan gathering (a scholarly gathering unremittingly held from 1348 to 1368) in Jiangnan, exemplifying the innovative development of traditional Chinese culture. 

The event began with an elegant flute melody, evoking the poetic atmosphere of Jiangnan gardens. As classic Kunqu Opera pieces and renowned literary excerpts were performed, guests were immersed in the cultural essence and classical aesthetics of the ancient gatherings. 

Lu Wenjie, deputy director of Prince Kung's Palace Museum, and Lin Feng, executive vice-president of the Chinese Poetry Society, delivered speeches, highlighting how the fusion of poetry and Kunqu Opera revitalizes traditional culture and promotes the heritage of poetic arts. 

Centered on the event theme, poets and scholars created impromptu verses and on-site calligraphy works, while classic selections of Peking Opera and Kunqu Opera were performed together, showcasing the profound depth of Chinese theatrical arts.

The organizers also offered free classical poetry lectures for local poetry enthusiasts and students in Kunshan. Renowned cultural figures shared their insights on poem creation and appreciation, bringing poetry culture closer to young people and strengthening its roots for future generations.

This visit to Kunshan marks the 15th anniversary of Blossoms of Wisdom gathering, bridging two historic cultural events and facilitating the artistic fusion of poetry and Kunqu Opera. It breathes new life into traditional literary elegance in the modern era.