An American Boy & His Chinese Opera!

John Clifford, is an American taking a two year Diploma in Peforming Arts (Cantonese Opera) at the Academy.  Clifford was a year short of graduating Boston College with a degree in Asian Studies when he decided to come to the Academy to pursue his dream of becoming a Cantonese opera accompanist.

At age 12, Clifford developed a great interest in the erhu, a Chinese string instrument. He learned Chinese music by first learning the Chinese language and is now conversant in Putonghua (Mardarin), Cantonese and Toisanese.  During the last ten years, he has continued to learn both online and by spending time at Cantonese opera studios in Boston’s Chinatown.  Today, he plays more than eight musical instruments.

Clifford hopes that one day he will be a concertmaster, teacher and eventually a publisher of books on Cantonese opera music, thus helping preserve this ancient tradition.

Interview by Hong Kong TVB: http://www.frequency.com/video/john-clifford-7-1nov2012/65329667