HKAPA Presents Academy Opera: La Cenerentola
The School of Music of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, in collaboration with the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts, will present the Academy Opera La Cenerentola at the Academy Rita Tong Liu Drama Theatre on 24, 25, 27 and 28 March. This production is sponsored by Asia Insurance.
Rossini’s La Cenerentola, a dramma giocoso—a genre blending comedy with moments of serious drama—was adapted by Ferretti from a beloved fairy tale and premiered in Rome in 1817. The story follows Angelina, a symbol of kindness, sincerity, and compassion, who endures the cruelty of her stepfather, Count Don Magnifico, and the mockery of her two vain stepsisters, Clorinda and Tisbe. Prince Don Ramiro, disguised as his servant Dandini, secretly observes the true nature of those around him and ultimately recognises Angelina’s virtue. The wise philosopher Alidoro carefully orchestrates events, ensuring that goodness triumphs over deceit. Rossini’s lively rhythms, flowing melodies, and virtuosic coloratura vividly bring these characters to life, blending romance and satire into a timeless operatic masterpiece.
Professor Nancy Yuen, Director & Head of Vocal Studies from the School of Music, expressed her excitement, “Rossini’s La Cenerentola is no ordinary fairy tale. The opera is action packed with real characters, some of whom are greedy, self-conceited, while others are kind, full of love and forgiving. The upbeat, fast-paced music matching the wonderful disguises of the characters will certainly keep the audience on the edge of their seats. We look forward to everyone being enchanted by the moving melodies and farcical portrayals!”
Mr Dominic Wheeler, conductor of La Cenerentola, is greatly looking forward to this performance, “La Cenerentola is the perfect comic fairy tale opera—funny and sparkling with brilliant music, but also full of warmth, love, and longing for the world to be a better, kinder place where everyone is valued for who they are.”
Academy Opera: La Cenerentola
Date/Time: 24, 25, 27 & 28 March 2026 | 7:30 pm
Venue: Rita Tong Liu Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
Ticket Price: $65 - 150
Programme Details: https://www.hkapa.edu/event/academy-opera-la-cenerentola
Ticketing: https://cultural.cityline.com/en/2026/lacenerentola.html
Sung in Italian with English & Chinese surtitles
The production is suitable for audience aged 6 or above
Director: Nancy Yuen
Composer: Gioachino Rossini
Librettist: Jacopo Ferretti
Conductor: Dominic Wheeler
Choreographer: Stella Lau
Set Design: Louis Chan Sing-yin
Costume Design: Joslyn Wong Lok-yiu
Lighting Design: Zoe Cheung So-yi
Production Manager: Chilly Tso Tsz-ching
Main Cast: Alice Li Zixian, Joy Zhao Changle, Gary Kam Ka-yiu, Yuan Zhaosung, Jerry Fung Chun-man, Tom Yang Fan, Victoria Liao Minchong, Leighton Li Tsz-ying, Charlotte Gu Yuantong, Lia Dong Lier, Leona Huang Liuying, Ivan Li Wang-tian
About The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu)
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), established by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance in 1984, is a world-leading higher education institution for the performing arts. It provides professionally-oriented undergraduate education and postgraduate studies in Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Its educational philosophy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with an emphasis on Chinese and Western traditions, and interdisciplinary learning. In the QS University Rankings announced in 2025, the Academy ranks in the global top 20 for Performing Arts education.
The Academy has been granted Programme Area Accreditation status by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications to awards its own Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor’s (Honours) Degrees and Master’s Degrees. In the past four decades, more than 10,000 artists have graduated from the Academy, going on to become performing artists, creative arts practitioners, filmmakers, educators and cultural leaders with global impact – many have won international awards and shone in their respective artistic fields.
Besides the main campus in Wanchai, Béthanie, the Academy’s Landmark Heritage Campus in Pokfulam, houses educational facilities for the School of Film and Television.