ASPECTS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF CHINESE NATIONAL TRADITIONS IN YIN QING’S OPERA. ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE OPERA THE BALLAD OF THE CANAL

The focus of the study is on the characteristics of implementation of Chinese cultural national traditions in Yin Qing’s opera, The Ballad of the Canal. The importance of the Great Chinese Canal, which played a key role in the economic and social development of the country for many centuries, is expressed in the opera. The composer created the opera during a period of intensive development of academic vocal art in China (2012), which contributed to the embodiment of the national concept in Yin Qing’s work. The opera The Ballad of the Canal is based on the history of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, with more than 2,500 years of history. An ancient legend was chosen for the plot, telling about the events that took place during the reign of the Ming Dynasty. A lyrical drama unfolding against the background of the history of one of the most grandiose structures in China is at the centre of the opera. The Grand Canal (Imperial Canal) and the Great Wall of China are famous throughout the world. The canal is one of the largest hydraulic structures. It was built more than two and a half millennia ago and connects two ports, Tianjin and Shanghai. In the first half of the 20th century, the canal fell into disrepair as a result of military actions on the territory of the country. However, it became the most important waterway connecting the south and the north of the country due to a large-scale restoration and modernisation program carried out since 1950. The canal not only connects the northern and southern parts of the country, facilitating trade and cultural exchange, but is also a symbol of the unity and progress of the nation. In the work, the Grand Canal of China is presented not only as an engineering miracle of its time, but also as a symbol of the unity and prosperity of the Chinese people. It embodies the idea of preserving China's cultural heritage. The opera revealed the possibilities of combining the traditions of Chinese national opera and European academic music. The Ballad of the Canal has attracted the attention of both Chinese and foreign audiences, becoming a symbol of Chinese national opera art, representing the wealth and beauty of the country.