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When it comes to Cantonese Opera, most people think it is entertainment for the older generation, like my grandparents. But the Cantonese pop music is widely spread and popular among both Hong Kong and the mainland. Interestingly, a famous Cantonese pop female singer called Faye Wong is the most successful singer who is famous for her diversity and unique voice. She embraced many genres from the West. But as for Cantonese Opera, combining the west culture is a defect. Therefore, I selected Faye Wong’s most successful concert in 1998 called 唱游(sing and play) to see how the change and diversity in Cantonese pop make it successful.

The first one is my favourite piece called 脸(Face). In the live concert, she abandoned all the lyrics that were in the Verse, but chose to sing the chant as the lyrics. This performance of weakening the lyrics is impressive and experimental, especially in the performance of pop music.

The second one is called 迷路(Lost in direction). This track is also talented because it combines my favourite genre. Trip-hop with Stringed Music. And this is the best manifestation of how she absorb the western eletronic music.

And the third one is the 梦中人 performance covering the Dreams from the Cranberries. This is how she brings the West great music through Cantonese Pop music. Although this is more like an alternative rock song, Faye Wong made it popular and successful in the Cantonese pop market.

Therefore, why does the attempt to absorb West or another genre in Cantonese Opera seem ridiculous and nonsensical? The main reason should be the origin of the Opera. Cantonese Opera is always about the traditional script or historical allusions. Changing the topic of it indeed causes uncomfortable and abruptness.