Guan Dongtian

National Class One Performer Guan Dongtian currently holds a professorship at the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts. Born in Wuhan, he is the son of veteran Peking opera performers Guan Zhengming and Li Qianghua. Known for his broad vocal range and captivating style, he has earned a reputation as the “tenor” of Peking opera. 

In 1999, his appearance as Emperor Taizong in the opera Height of the Early Tang Dynasty earned him a number of awards and accolades including the Shanghai Magnolia Stage Performance Award (year 2000), Outstanding Performer at the 6th China Arts Festival, Outstanding Performer at the 3rd National Peking Opera Festival, and Outstanding Performer at the 9th China Theatre Festival. During his subsequent career, he continued to work with the acclaimed Peking opera artist Shang Changrong, with his performance in Inspector and Prince winning him the Outstanding Performer award at the 4th National Peking Opera Festival as well as Performance Award at the 12th Wenhua Awards. In 2008 he was named as a leading figure in Peking opera in a nationwide list of intangible cultural heritage.