In 1975 Alan Chow became the founding director of the Chinese-American Arts Council, a service and presenting organization and separately incorporated affiliate of the Chinese American Planning Council. Mr. Chow was born in Taiwan where he began early professional training in Chinese theater, including opera, drama, dance, acrobatics and mime. He was further schooled in acting in Hong Kong, where he appeared in eight films in both minor and leading roles. His film career included a performance as The Monkey King which became one of the ten top box office success of the year. He also produced, directed, and starred in a 26-episode series of Chinese traditional tales for Hong Kong RTV. Upon coming to New York, he established his own dance studio, teaching Chinese theatrical movements and dance. He continued to perform both as a solo artist and with the Company he established, as well making guest appearances with ensembles such as the Chiang Ching Dance Company. Among his many notable achievement as an independent artist was a program of Chinese dances in the National Christmas Pageant of Peace at the White House which which he directed in 1977, productions of "Lady White Snake" in 1979 and "Butterfly Lovers" in 1981, choreographed and co-directed for the Melodic Ensemble of the Republic of China, and a starring role in a CBS prime time production of "Return of the Phonix." In addition, he continued his education in New York, studying drama production and dance at the New School for Social Research and receiving his MFA in Theater in 1982 New York. Mr. Chow's distinguished as performer, director, choreographer and producer have proven to be an invaluable asset to CAAC. His brings to his work a unique combination of deep knowledge about the traditional art forms of China along with extensive experience and understanding of the practical aspects of production and presentation. In addition, Mr. Chow maintains active contacts with the artist and arts organizations of China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, making several visits overseas annually. It is these ingredients, along with his dedication to preserving and advance the Chinese traditional arts, that make it possible for CAAC bring to the public many high quality and varied presentation of Chinese opera, theater, music and dance presented each year.
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Mr.Wu stated learning PiPa form his mother when he was six and began to perform on stage at the age of seven. He later graduated from Henan Univ.with a major in music and received the highest honor in the "China National musical Instrument". He has also won many awards for nationl contests in China and has performed at many well-known musical halls such as Broadway's Victory Theater, Symphony Space, and the Lincoln Center.
Hong Hong
Hong Hong was born into a family long connected with Cantonese Opera. Her father Ma Shitseng is a legendary figure in the Cantonese Opera world and her mother Hung Hsien-nu is world famous for her soprano voice, becoming the first Cantonese Opera performing artist ever to be awatded a gold medal from the former Soviet Union.
In her earlier years Hong Hong received training both in western performing art forms, such as piano and ballet, and eastern ones, including Chinese opera singing and performance skills. Eventually, she focused on Cantonese opera. She later earned a Fulbright scholarship and came to the US to absorb essence of Western performing arts.
Injecting new vitality from Western theatre, Hong Hong fuses two cultures to renovate traditional Cantonese opera into an art that can be appreciated by both western and eastern worlds. During her life-time engagement in Cantonese opera, Hong Hong has received numerous awards from all over the worlds, including the "Outstanding Asian Artists Award" by CAAC and she has been actively promotes Cantonese Opera performances in Taiwan and overseas.
Xue Wen Fang
Ms. Xue Wen Fang was the first-class actress at The Xiao Bai Hua Chinese Yue Opera (The Shejiang Little Hundred Flowers Yue Opera Troupe) in China before she came to the States in the 1990's. She joined the troupe in 1982 and has been awarded numerously, including "Zhejiang Little Hundred Flowers Award," "Excellent Performer Award" from the National Yue Opera Competition," " Golden Award" in the National little Hundred Flowers Yue Opera Festival," and "The Fourth Wen Hua Performance Award" by the Chinese Cultural Department.
Xue Wen Fang
Ms. Xue Wen Fang was the first-class actress at The Xiao Bai Hua Chinese Yue Opera (The Shejiang Little Hundred Flowers Yue Opera Troupe) in China before she came to the States in the 1990's. She joined the troupe in 1982 and has been awarded numerously, including "Zhejiang Little Hundred Flowers Award," "Excellent Performer Award" from the National Yue Opera Competition," " Golden Award" in the National little Hundred Flowers Yue Opera Festival," and "The Fourth Wen Hua Performance Award" by the Chinese Cultural Department.
Qin Feng Wang
Ms. Qin Feng Wang was the first-class national actress in the Zhejiang Little Hundred Flowers Yue Opera Troupe. The awards she has received include "Zhejiang Little Hundred Flowers Award" at the Third National Theatrical Arts Festival.
Tian Hong Wang
A renown musician specializing in Er-hu. He used to be at the leading seat of Chinese Yue Opera in Shejiang. His playing usually has the power to mesmerize both performers' and audiences' mood into a transient state that performers appreciate his presence because it helps actors truly become characters that they are playing.