99-Year-Old Cantonese Opera Violinist Zhu Qingxiang Seeks Guinness World Record
SingTao · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Zhu Qingxiang, a 99-year-old professional violinist who has dedicated his life to Cantonese opera music, is seeking to set a Guinness World Record as the oldest professional violinist. His students organized the record application after witnessing his remarkable abilities at an advanced age. The nomination was formally presented at the "Children's Cancer Foundation Charity Night" Cantonese opera concert held at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall on September 25, 2026, where Zhu performed despite his remarkable age.
Key Points
- Zhu Qingxiang, aged 99, performed violin accompaniments for three pieces at the Children's Cancer Foundation Charity Night concert, showcasing his enduring musical prowess
- The charity concert, organized by Jinyintang Opera Troupe at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, raised over HK$1 million, setting a new record for such events
- Drama master Mao Junhui and lawyer Lok Wan Chong served as official witnesses for the Guinness World Record nomination for "Oldest Professional Violinist"
- Zhu maintains a rigorous daily practice routine, spending one hour every morning playing violin, which colleagues attribute to his sharp mental acuity and longevity
- At 99, Zhu can perform nearly 30-minute Cantonese opera pieces entirely from memory without sheet music, demonstrating exceptional musical memory and skill
- Eight-Harmony (Ba Ho) Association chairman Lung Koon-tin expressed strong support for the record attempt, praising Zhu's high artistic standards and respected status in the Cantonese opera community
Why It Matters
This record attempt highlights the extraordinary longevity possible in artistic professions and serves as an inspiring example for Hong Kong's aging population. If successful, it would bring international recognition to the city's Cantonese opera community and its rich musical traditions. The achievement also underscores the importance of preserving and passing down traditional performing arts skills across generations.
This record attempt highlights the extraordinary longevity possible in artistic professions and serves as an inspiring example for Hong Kong's aging population. If successful, it would bring international recognition to the city's Cantonese opera community and its rich musical traditions. The achievement also underscores the importance of preserving and passing down traditional performing arts skills across generations.