AUCKLAND, New Zealand, May 11 (Xinhua) -- The 2025 "Knowing Hubei, Echoes of Peking Opera Around the World" Peking Opera Gala was staged at the Civic Theater in New Zealand's largest city Auckland on Friday evening, receiving an enthusiastic response from local audiences.

On Saturday, a Peking Opera salon further attracted keen participation from opera enthusiasts across the city.

The gala featured classic pieces, including The Crossroads, Lakeside Stroll from Legend of the White Snake, Silang Visits His Mother: The Palace Scene, Night Patrol from Women Generals of the Yang Family, and Rescue of Shouzhou. These selections, combining martial arts, stylized movement, lyrical singing, and expressive storytelling, offered a vivid showcase of the richness and beauty of the Peking Opera.

Performed by artists from China's Hubei Provincial Peking Opera Theater, the show drew rounds of applause and admiration throughout the evening. Many in the audience said it was their first time experiencing Peking Opera live and were amazed by the elaborate costumes, haunting melodies, and powerful performances.

Representatives from New Zealand's arts and cultural sectors also attended the event. They expressed their interest in strengthening cultural exchanges and collaboration with China in the field of traditional performing arts.

Chinese Consul General in Auckland Chen Shijie noted that Peking Opera is part of the world's cultural heritage. He hoped that the seeds of curiosity and affection for Chinese culture will grow in the hearts of New Zealand friends.

Both China and New Zealand have created brilliant civilizations, and mutual exchanges will help deepen friendship between our peoples, he added.

For many audience members, the performance left a lasting impression, prompting them to attend the following day's salon, titled "Melodies and Makeup: A Peking Opera Salon for Connoisseurs", held at the Metropolis Museum in Auckland.

During the event, veteran performers from the Hubei Provincial Peking Opera Theater gave engaging presentations on the history, schools, and musical features of Peking Opera, and interacted closely with local attendees.

The session offered participants a deeper appreciation for the cultural legacy of Peking Opera and fostered a greater understanding of Chinese traditional arts.

The Peking Opera events were jointly organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Hubei Province and the China Cultural Center in Auckland and presented by the Hubei Provincial Peking Opera Theater. ■