The awards were held to mark the first anniversary of Kunqu opera being listed as an "oral masterpiece and intangible heritageof humanity" by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). They were also part of a national competition for young Chinese Kunqu artists, held from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2 in Suzhou.

Thirtytwo older-generation artists typified by Wang Chuanqu and Zhang Jiqing were rewarded for their long-term dedication to the art form. Vice-Minister of Culture Chen Xiaoguang said recognising older artists was not only in appreciation for their lifelong devotion, but also to encourage younger generations.

A further 21 younger artists aged from 20 to 40 won awards for "promoting Kunqu art".

Chen Xiaoguang pointed out the competition assembled the best Kunqu artists from six large national troupes now in China, and showcased their performance skills and profound understanding of the traditional art.

The 700-year-old opera style was entering a renaissance period after a period of decline, he said. Kunqu opera, dubbed the "ancestor of Chinese operas", spawned and nurtured Chinese regional operas including Peking opera. But for a time it faced the risk of declining in popularity, due to its obscure wording and precise structure.

Since its founding in 1949, New China has taken concrete steps to save and revive the art form by establishing Kunqu schools and troupes.

(People's Daily November 4, 2002)