Su Opera, a traditional local opera in Suzhou of Jiangsu, is a national intangible cultural heritage.
Su Opera integrated Huagu Tanhuang, Nanzi and Kunqu Opera. It is popular in the urban and rural areas of northern Jiangsu. Its predecessor, Sutan, was originally named Bainanci, commonly known as “Dashantou”, which is a sitting acappella folk art.
Its main accompaniment is Erhu. Jiangnan Sizhu is used for the opera sometimes.
Su opera itself is connected with Kunqu in many aspects such as literature, music, performance, etc. Influenced by Kunqu Opera, the musical style of it is euphemistic and touching, while retaining the popularity and charm of Sutan to show characteristics of Suzhou culture.
Su opera’s tunes are very beautiful and local-featured. As a musical heritage in Wu area and a treasure of Chinese opera, it is unique in many local operas. It makes great contribution to promote and inherit traditional culture of Suzhou, which will boost the development of society, and at the same time spread the profound culture of southern Jiangsu.
