Calabasas sister city tour planned

An Qing, the Chinese sis- ter city of Calabasas, will host the fourth Huangmei Opera Festival in early November.

The local Golden Key Cul- ture Center is commissioned by the city government of An Qing to organize a delegation from Calabasas and neighbor- ing areas to participate in the festival as special guests.

The 12-day itinerary is de- signed to focus on Chinese arts and culture.

In 2003, Mayor Dennis Washburn, then a council member, and a delegation from Calabasas visited An Qing and formally established the sister- city relationship. The visit, which included a trip to the third Huangmei Opera Festival, has be- come a memorable event in the lives of every member of the delegation.

Huangmei Opera was formed in the 18th century when Chinese local operas flourished. Originally it was a combination of local folk songs, dances and several popular ancient operas.

In addition to the Huangmei Op- era Festival, the delegation will tour several Chinese cities, including Shanghai and Hangzhou.

The Golden Key Culture Center recently served as a liaison between Calabasas and An Qing. In the sum- mer of 2005, it organized a China trip for the Calabasas All-Star Jazz Band, which covered five cities, including An Qing.

Anyone who is interested in being part of the delegation should contact Ingrid Wang at yin_ye@pacbell.net.