Yu Kuizhi is a Peking opera performer of Hui Chinese ethnicity.
Background
Yu Kuizhi (December 15, 1961) was born in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, into a typical working-class family, his mother being a music instructor and his father being a level eight fitter. He was inspired by his mother since he was little, and was the lead singer in his primary school choir.
Career
He plays the role of elderly men (laosheng) in Peking Opera. With his excellent vocal talent and physical condition, in April 1972, under 10 years of age, he was selected to learn Peking Opera by the Shenyang Chinese Opera Institute, and was carefully taught by many of the masters of Peking Opera. He laid a solid foundation in all aspects of Peking Opera, and at the age of 13 he had been given a main role as a child in the modern Peking opera, “Da Lu Ge”, which he performed hundreds of times and received positive responses from.
In order to further his studies in the art of Peking Opera, he gave up his wages from the Shenyang Chinese Opera Institute and went to Beijing to audition for the National Academy of Chinese Opera, the top institution for studying Peking Opera.
He graduated in 1982 with excellency in all his subjects, and was chosen to be part of the China National Peking Opera Company"s Number. 1 Troupe. During his career, he has cooperated with many other senior Peking Opera artists, and has performed across Asia, Europe and America.
In 1992, he was promoted to a national level 1 performer
In 2001, he served as the leader of the China National Peking Opera Company Number 2. Troupe
In 2005, the China National Peking Opera Company reestablished a new Number.
1 Troupe, and appointed him as leader
In March 2010, he assumed the office of China National Peking Opera Company"s art director and vice president
美哉,于魁智! 氍毹于音 于魁智.