Jennifer Su

Hua Wenyi was born on February 21, 1941 in Shanghai, China. She graduated in 1961 from the Shanghai Opera School as a member of the school’s first Kunqu class. With roots dating back to the 16th century, Kunqu is the oldest and most refined form of Chinese opera and recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Treasure of Humanity.

Hua Wenyi’s exquisite movement, flawless diction, and beautiful voice earned her the nickname “Little Mei Lanfang,” after the legendary performer who set the standard for performance of the young refined female character. In 1986 Hua Wenyi received China’s highest artistic honor, the Plum Blossom Award. In 1989, she came to the United State and began exploring opportunities to promote Kunqu internationally. In 1991 she launched Hua Kun Opera, which become recognized internationally for both its traditional and experimental theater work. The company performed in numerous international festivals and led programs at Columbia University, UC Berkeley, Yale, Princeton, UCLA, USC, and others. In 1997, Hua Wenyi was named an NEA National Heritage Fellow, the highest recognition given to traditional artists by the US government. In her later years, Hua Wenyi actively performed and taught students in both China and US. She never stopped promoting the art form she loved.

Hua Wenyi is preceded by her husband, Jimmie Su (aka Su Shengyi), a noted performer of Beijing opera. She is survived by her daughter Jane Xue and son-in-law An Hu, and grandchildren Catherine and Alexander Hu.

A Memorial Service will be held on May 2, 2022 at Rose Hill’s Hua Yuan Hall of Grace at 2pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Chinese Kwun Opera Society where Hua Wenyi spent her later years teaching. Condolences may also be sent to display during the service.

Contact for the Chinese Kwun Opera Society,

Henry Chang

Telephone: 626.823.3724, email: [email protected]