Overview
Raohe opera, also known as Raohe tune, is an important school of Gan opera and a representative provincial intangible cultural heritage of Jiangxi. It takes its name from the Rao River, which flows through the county seat of Poyang. [1][qq_heritage?]
Development and vocal styles
Raohe opera developed from Nanxi and Yiyang opera. It incorporated Yiyang high-pitched singing, luantan, Hui opera, Qin opera, Kunqu, and elements of the pihuang vocal tradition. Its vocal styles are varied, its repertoire is extensive, and it retains features of older vocal forms. Its style is described as robust and plain, with a strong local character. [1][qq_heritage?]
Local culture
Raohe opera is part of Poyang’s local theatrical tradition. In 2003, the Ministry of Culture designated Poyang County a “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art (Opera).” [qq_heritage?]