Dr. Lam Kar Sing

Dr. Lam Kar Sing

Prominent Figure of Cantonese Opera - Lam Kar Sing

Lam Ka Sing is a household name in Cantonese Opera for more than seven decades. He began a 20-year film career with an appearance in 1947’s Prostituting to Raise the Orphan. From 1960s onwards, Lam founded his own operatic troupes and staged live performances.
In 2010, Lam was conferred an honorary doctorate by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. He received a Silver Bauhinia Star for his contribution to the art of Cantonese opera in 2012.

Deng Xiao Lan Fang

1933-01-20

Sit Kok Sin

No

Male

Chinese

Person

drlamkarsing1933

1933-01-20

Canada

2015-08-04

Chinese Opera Actor

Dr. Lam Kar Sing is a preeminent figure in Cantonese Opera in Hong Kong. Born in 1933, he became a disciple of the maestro Sit Kok Sin in 1949 and, inspired by Sit’s artistic influence, he committed himself to a lifelong and tireless pursuit of excellence. Lam quickly became a versatile exponent of his mentor’s art and, developing as a maestro in his own right, he went on to establish the theory that a performing artist must seek to fulfil four criteria – 'breadth, virtuosity, depth and innovation’. He also founded two Cantonese opera troupes, Hing Sun Sing and Chung Sun Sing, both of which won a wide following with their popular productions. Lam eventually retired from the stage in 1993, and since then he has dedicated himself to promoting this art form and to ensuring its continued survival and development.

He has won many accolades and awards from the government, the education sector and the field of traditional Chinese theatre in recognition of his lifelong achievements and his lasting contribution to Cantonese Opera. Taking a look back at the life and artistic career of Lam Kar Sing and highlighting the legacy he has bequeathed, this exhibition showcases libretti, handbills, stills, records, costumes and audio and video clips from various productions starring this virtuoso with a passion for Cantonese Opera.

Hong Kong Heritage Museum