Chinese music stars who deceased at age 19
Here are 2 famous musicians from China died at 19:
Huisheng
Huisheng (February 26, 1938 Changchun-December 4, 1957 Mount Amagi) was a Chinese personality.
Huisheng was a Chinese female artist who became famous for playing the lead role in the revolutionary Beijing Opera production of "Hymn to the Phoenix". Born into a traditional family of Beijing Opera performers, she showed a natural talent in singing and stage performance from an early age. She was only 19 years old when she was selected to play the lead role in "Hymn to the Phoenix", which became an instant hit and made her a celebrity in China.
However, Huisheng's promising career was cut short by the political turmoil of the time. In 1957, she was accused of being a counter-revolutionary and sent to a labor camp. Despite her young age and lack of political knowledge, she refused to confess to the crimes she was accused of and held onto her artistic integrity until the end.
Tragically, Huisheng died in the labor camp only nine months later, allegedly due to illness and mistreatment. Her death stirred widespread public mourning and outrage, and she became a symbol of the tragic fate of many young artists during the political upheaval of the time. Despite her short life, Huisheng's legacy lives on as a reminder of the importance of artistic freedom and the power of the performing arts to inspire and uplift humanity.
Huisheng's story was immortalized in a film called "Farewell My Concubine", directed by Chen Kaige, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes Film Festival in 1993. The film tells the story of two male Peking Opera performers and friends, played by Leslie Cheung and Zhang Fengyi, against the backdrop of China's political turmoil in the mid-20th century. Huisheng's character, played by actress Gong Li, is a major influence on the story and represents the tragic fate of young artists in that era. The film helped to bring Huisheng's story and the broader theme of artistic repression in China to a global audience. Today, Huisheng is honored as one of the most iconic and revered figures of modern Chinese opera, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists and performers.
In addition to her success on stage, Huisheng was also known for her stunning beauty and charming personality. She had a reputation as a kind and generous person who was beloved by her colleagues and fans alike. Her tragic death at such a young age only added to her mystique and cemented her status as a cultural icon in China.
Huisheng's story also serves as a reminder of the dangers of political repression and the importance of fighting for artistic freedom. Her refusal to compromise her artistic integrity in the face of persecution and her unwavering commitment to her craft continue to inspire artists around the world to this day.
While her life may have been cut short, Huisheng's impact on Chinese opera and culture is immeasurable. Her legacy lives on as a testament to the power of the arts to transcend political and cultural boundaries and to touch the hearts of people from all walks of life.
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Dai Houying
Dai Houying (April 5, 2015 Anhui-April 5, 1996) a.k.a. Houying Dai was a Chinese novelist, writer and author.
She is best known for her literary works which often reflected on the lives and struggles of women in China. Dai's writing was deeply rooted in tradition but also explored modern themes and ideas. Some of her most notable works include "The Moon Opera", "The Great Circle", and "Lotus". Dai grew up in a traditional Chinese family and was educated in literature and poetry. She began writing at a young age and published her first story at 19. Over the course of her career, she received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to Chinese literature. Dai's work continues to inspire and influence generations of Chinese writers and readers alike.
Dai Houying's literary career spanned over three decades and she wrote more than 20 books during her lifetime. Her works often explored themes of gender roles, sexuality, and the struggles of women in a changing society. She was particularly interested in the lives of women in ancient China and often incorporated historical elements into her stories.
In addition to writing, Dai was also a prominent advocate for women's rights and frequently spoke out on issues related to gender equality. She was an active member of the Chinese Writer's Association and served as a representative for the organization at international literary conferences.
Despite her success and influence within the literary community, Dai faced criticism and censorship from the Chinese government due to the controversial nature of her work. However, she continued to write and publish throughout her life, inspiring generations of Chinese writers to come.
Dai Houying passed away on her 80th birthday in 1996, leaving behind a powerful and enduring legacy in the world of Chinese literature. Today, she is remembered as one of the country's foremost female writers and a powerful voice for social change.
Dai Houying's most famous work, "The Moon Opera", was adapted into an opera by composer Tan Dun and premiered at the Spoleto Festival in 1999. The opera has since been performed around the world, including at the Lincoln Center in New York City. Dai's writing has also been translated into several languages and is widely read in countries beyond China. In addition to her literary works, Dai was also a talented calligrapher and artist. Her calligraphy was often included in her books and has been exhibited in galleries throughout China. The Dai Houying Literary Award was established in her honor and is awarded annually to a female Chinese writer for excellence in literature.
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