THE classical music of the Orient came to the region yesterday with a three-hour performance by the Manchester Cantonese Opera Group.

The group were at the Vane Tempest Hall, Durham City, to give a recital of a traditional Eastern opera to members of the County Durham Chinese Elderly club.

The visit had been organised by the Chinese Association North East Region, whose vice-chairman, David Chow, said the performance had attracted a full house.

"The opera was loosely based on the Romeo and Juliet theme and proved very popular with the audience," he said.

The Chinese elderly group meets regularly and among its aims is to form close ties with other ethnic old people's associations as well as mainstream pensioners' groups.

Yesterday's well-received show looks likely to prompt a return visit by the opera group. Next time, they hope to perform for the young.

"They are planning to return in October and would like to give performances in local schools," said Mr Chow.

He said many of the artistically-based activities organised by the Chinese Association North East receive cash backing from regional arts associations as well as the cultural attache department of the Chinese Embassy in London.

Published: 17/08/2004