Mr Zhao Riwei is a Lecturer in Music - Chinese Opera in the School of Chinese Opera at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Mr Zhao entered the Zhanjiang Xiaokongque Cantonese Opera School in 1998, initially studying suona under Yang Ye before turning to percussion under Xu Zhixing, lead percussionist of the Zhanjiang Cantonese Opera Troupe. With the support of acclaimed Cantonese opera actress Kong Queping, he became lead percussionist of the Zhanjiang Xiaokongque Cantonese Opera Troupe, and later of the Zhanjiang Cantonese Opera Troupe.

In 2010, Mr Zhao enrolled the Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts (Cantonese Opera) from The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. During his studies, he studied percussion under Sung Heung-man and received guidance from accompaniment masters Ng Lut-kwong and Luo Qinger, while also studying violin under Zhang Ziling. After graduation in 2013, Mr Zhao became lead percussionist for the Young Academy Cantonese Opera Troupe and continuously performed with major Hong Kong Cantonese opera troupes in the same capacity.

Mr Zhao’s teaching and artistic practice areas include Cantonese opera percussion, ensemble accompaniment, instrumental training, and the integration of traditional and modern approaches to Chinese opera music. With 10 years of experience in higher education and professional experience spanning both performance and education, Mr Zhao continues to contribute to the promotion and transmission of Cantonese opera through teaching, mentorship, and leadership at the Academy.